The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 2 very nice shows this weekend with some good artists scheduled.
Saturday looks like the better of the two nights this weekend with Opry members and Hall of Famers Vince Gill and Ronnie Milsap on the schedule. After not appearing on the Opry at all last year, it is nice to see Ronnie on the schedule. Let's hope he makes it as the last several times he was scheduled, he did cancel. Joining them, and hosting a segment, will be Craig Morgan. Craig hosted on my last visit to the Opry in December and I thought he did a very nice job. He reminded me of Larry Gatlin, with his energy and the humor he had when introducing his guests. Joining those three will be veteran Opry members Jan Howard, Jeannie Seely and Jesse McReynolds. Guest artists include "Nashville" star Charles Esten, along with the ever popular Mandy Barnett and the bluegrass due Dailey & Vincent, whom I believe would make great Opry members.
The Friday Night Opry also has a good line-up with the newest Opry members Little Big Town scheduled. Joining them will be guest artists Darryl Worley, Restless Heart and Chris Young, who last appeared at the memorial service for Jimmy Dickens. Opry members Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson and Riders In The Sky will be hosting segments.
What is nice as far as I am concerned this weekend is the variety in both shows. In fact, only Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky are scheduled both nights. And you have a good mix with the newest Opry member, Little Big Town, along with 50+ year Opry members Bill Anderson, Bobby Osborne and Jesse McReynolds. There is more modern country with Craig Morgan and Chris Young and classic country with Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely and Jan Howard. Bluegrass is well represented with Ricky Skaggs and Dailey & Vincent, there is comedy with Mike Snider, western music with Riders In The Sky and Hall of Fame members in Vince Gill and Ronnie Milsap. In other words, a good weekend for the Opry.
Friday January 16
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Darryl Worley; Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chris Young
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Little Big Town
Saturday January 17
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mandy Barnett; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jeannie Seely; Jesse McReynolds; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Craig Morgan (host); Jan Howard; Dailey & Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Ronnie Milsap
For those interested, there was a Ryman concert this past week with Greg Allman. Among those in attendance were Jean Shepard and Jim Ed Brown, both of whom were pictured backstage with Greg. Jean looked a little frail in the photo while Jim Ed look surprisingly good. Nice to see Jim Ed getting out and about.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, January 15 & 16, 2010:
Friday January 15
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; George Hamilton IV; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Stonewall Jackson; Joe Diffie
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Daryle Singletary
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Jack Greene; Randy Kohrs
Saturday January 16
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Dierks Bentley
8:00: Vince Gill (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Emmylou Harris; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Dierks Bentley
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Emmylou Harris; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
2 very nice nights at the Opry that weekend and can you believe that Saturday night featured all Opry members!!
And from 10 years ago this weekend, January 14 & 15, 2005:
Friday January 14
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Connie Smith; Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown
8:00: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Patty Griffin; Buddy Miller
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Osborne Brothers; Lorrie Morgan
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Marty Stuart
9:30: John Conlee (host); George Hamilton IV; The Whites; Mike Snider
Saturday January 15
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jeannie Seely; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
7:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Terri Clark; Blaine Larsen; Jim Ed Brown; Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Patty Griffin; Buddy Miller
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Osborne Brothers; Terri Clark
10:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Billy Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Patty Griffin; Buddy Miller
11:30: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Blaine Larsen
For this week's featured line-up, I go back 15 years ago to Saturday January 15, 2000 as it was on this particular night that Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. What was interesting was that Ralph was invited the night before to join the cast and the induction was done the following night with Patty Loveless doing the honors. This particular night also featured a rare Opry appearance by Opry member Reba McEntire. No only were these Reba's only Opry appearances for this year, but they would be her last Opry appearances until 2008. Also featured on this particular night were Opry members Trisha Yearwood and Joe Diffie, along with Loretta Lynn who was not even featured on the televised portion. But Loretta was on the Opry the following week and was on the televised portion then. Finally, Bill Walker was recognized for 40 years as an Opry member.
Saturday January 15, 2000:
1st show
6:30: Opryland Hotel/Banquet
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
The Whites: If It Ain't Love
Jack Greene: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ricochet: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
7:00: Shoney's/Standard Candy
Johnny Russell (host): Wabash Cannonball
Joe Diffie: A Night to Remember/Behind Closed Doors
Ralph Stanley: A Man of Constant Sorrow/Little Maggie
Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless: Pretty Polly
Trisha Yearwood: She's In Love With the Boys/Real Live Woman
Billy Walker: I Love You Because
Reba McEntire: I'd Rather Ride Around With You/What Do You Say/Is There Life Out There
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Osborne Brothers: Some Things We Want to Sing About
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
John Hartford Band: Gentle On My Mind
Loretta Lynn: You're Looking at Country/Coal Miner's Daughter
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Just Blue Enough to Do Most Anything
2nd show
9:30: Ryman Auditorium
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
The Whites: Making Believe
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Loretta Lynn: Out of My Head and Back in My Bed/Your Squaw Is on the Warpath/Coal Miner's Daughter
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/She Burned the Little Roadside Tavern Down
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jeannie Seely (host): Sentimental Journey
Ralph Stanley: Think of What You've Done
Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless: Pretty Polly
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
10:15: Fluffo
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Reba McEntire: It's the Fear of Being Alone/What Do You Say/An Honest Heart
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then
10:30: Ryman Auditorium
Jimmy C Newman: Allons A' Lafayette
Trisha Yearwood: She's An All American Girl/Walk Away Joe/Living on the Wrong Side of Memphis
10:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jan Howard: He's All I Got
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: You Don't Bring Me Flowers
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): No Fair Falling In Love
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
Joe Diffie: I Ain't the Quittin' Kind/Ships That Don't Come In
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar
11:30: Ryman Video
Charlie Walker (host): Who Will Buy the Wine
John Hartford Band: Love Grown Cold
Ray Pillow: Baby, That's Cold
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get You Hand Off Me Knee and Load the Cannon
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible for A Roadmap/Cabin in Gloryland
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Grand Ole Opry 1/9 & 1/10
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two Opry shows this week; the Friday Night Opry along with Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, with both shows at the Ryman Auditorium.
Friday looks like the better of the two nights this weekend and it is nice to see Hal Ketchum back on the Opry schedule. Hal made a couple of Opry appearances over the past several years after being gone from the Opry since 2010 as he has battled some health issues. I know when he made his appearances in 2014 he sounded good. Also joining Hal will be Opry members Del McCoury Band and Vince Gill. I am sure Vince will do some type of tribute to Jimmy Dickens. It is also nice to see a couple of the Opry's veterans, jean Shepard and Jesse McReynolds on the line-up. Guest artists include The Swon Brothers, Kristian Bush, the ever popular Willis Clan, along with Pure Prairie League, who is also scheduled for Saturday night. Considering that Vince is hosting the segment on Friday that they are guesting on, I wouldn't be surprised if Vince, an ex-member, joined them.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature, along with Pure Prairie League, guest artists Chris Janson, Mark Wills, Brandon Heath and Deana Carter. Deana has made a number of Opry guest appearances over the past couple of years and has been impressive. Also scheduled, and making her Opry debut, is Mickey Guyton. She is another of the new female artists that has been receiving some notice lately.
As far as Opry hosts this weekend, Jeannie Seely, The Whites and John Conlee are hosting on both nights, along with Vince on Friday and Mike Snider on Saturday.
Friday January 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Swon Brothers; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Hal Ketchum; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; The Willis Clan
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Kristian Bush; Pure Prairie League
Saturday January 10
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chris Janson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Brandon Heath; Deana Carter
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Mickey Guyton; Pure Prairie League
Interesting that they have left an empty spot where Jimmy Dickens is traditionally scheduled. I don't know if they have something planned or if someone else, perhaps a surprise guest, will be added.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, January 8 & 9, 2010:
Friday January 8
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jason Michael Carroll
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Greg Biffle; George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; Danny Gokey
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jamie McMurray; Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown; Chris Young
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Miss Sprint Cup; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Kyle Petty
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Danny Gokey
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Holly Williams; Kyle Petty
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Michael Watrip; Hank Williams, Jr.
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Riders In The Sky; Chris Young
Saturday January 9
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; The Whites
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; Chris Young
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; Rodney Crowell
As you can tell by the number of NASCAR drivers that were featured on the Friday shows, it was the annual fan fest for NASCAR that was taking place in Nashville that weekend. You can also tell by looking at the 2 Friday night line-ups that the 2nd show was the better of the two that night.
And from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 7 & 8, 2005:
Friday January 7
7:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Pinmonkey
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Osborne Brothers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Brad Cotter
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Buddy Jewell
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Craig Morgan
Saturday January 8
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Chely Wright
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; BR549
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Rhonda Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Riders In The Sky; Martina McBride
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Martina McBride
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Louvin; Chely Wright
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Walker; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Rhonda Vincent
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; BR549
Finally, from 20 years ago, Saturday January 7, 1995. This was the night of Hank Snow's 45th anniversary as an Opry member. You may remember that Hank joined the Opry on January 7, 1950.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Monroe (host): Life's Highway
Wilma Lee Cooper: Loving You
Bill Monroe: Wheel Hoss/Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord
6:45: Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Charlie Louvin: Let Her Go; God Bless Her
Grandpa Jones: Gone Home
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Jan Howard: Under Your Spell Again
Jimmy Dickens: Me and My Big Loud Mouth/Another Bridge to Burn
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
7:30: Standard Candy
Ricky Skaggs (host): Highway 40 Blues
John Conlee: Let the Good Times Roll
Crossmen Quarter: I'm Gonna Take A Trip
The Isaacs: It's Just Like Him/Look Over the Beautiful Fields
Ricky Skaggs: You're Running Wild
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jack Greene: Every Since My Baby Went Away
Jolly Green Giants: Happy Birthday Jack
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
The Whites: There's A Higher Power
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snow Flake Reel
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Conscience, I'm Guilty
Jim Ed Brown: Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone at Last
Jeannie Seely: Happy Anniversary to Hank/Don't Touch Me
Mike Snider: Black Jack/The Fur Coat
Hank Snow: Brand On My Heart
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Jim & Jesse: Headin' West
Oswald: I'll Be All Smiles Tonight
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Ricky Skaggs: Uncle Pen
Porter Wagoner & Colene Walters: The Last Thing On My Mind
Coleen Walters: Alone With You
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind
10:00: Goody's
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Roy Drusky: Family Bible
Bill Monroe: Foggy Mountain Breakdown/Sweet Blue Eyed Darling/The Gold Rush
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
The Isaacs: Peace Like A River
George McCormick: Satisfied
10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed
Mike Snider: Soldier's Joy/Angeline the Baker/Old Molly Hare/Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee and Lord the Cannon
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
10:45: Fairfield Communities
Bill Anderson (host): I Get the Fever
Jack Greene: Forever, My Darling
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Golden Slippers
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The Prisoner's Song
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging/When He Leaves You
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind
11:30: Cates Pickles
Billy Walker (host): Come A Little Bit Closer
John Conlee: Lady Lay Down/I'm Only In It For the Love
Johnny Russell: Ain't You Even Gonna Cry
Billy Walker: Adam's Side
And finally, for this week's featured line-up, I have two to share. The first one is from Saturday January 11, 1969 as this was the night that George Jones rejoined the Opry. I have said before that George Jones and his history at the Opry has been most interesting. George originally joined the Opry on August 11, 1956. He stayed around for a few years and left. Then he rejoined in 1969, stayed a few years and left again. He rejoined for a third time in 1973, and this time it stuck and he stayed until he passed away last year. Not that all of this mattered very much as George was rarely at the Opry. In an interesting side note, Mel Tillis was introduced as a member of the Opry the same night. Yet, as we know from the Opry's history, when Mel was inducted as a member of the Opry in 2007, it was never acknowledged that Mel had ever actually joined the show. Mel was around long enough to make an edition of the Opry's Picture History Book. The thinking is that he was announced as a new member, and decided pretty much after the fact that he really didn't want to commit to the Opry. By 2007, and with the help of his daughter Pam, Mel was ready to get back on board.
Here is the Opry running order from Saturday January 11, 1969, when George Jones rejoined the Opry for the 2nd time and Mel Tillis was introduced as an Opry member the first time:
7:30: Standard Candy
Tex Ritter (host): Take Him Fishing
Billy Grammer: Mabel
George Morgan: Little Green Apples
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
Margie Bowes: I Still Miss Someone
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
4 Guys: Turn Around; Look at Me
Tex Ritter: A Funny Thing Happened to me on the Way to Miami
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): w/Paul Warren: Black Eyed Susie
George Jones & Brenda Carter: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Wilburn Brothers: We Need Lot More Happiness
Loretta Lynn: Fist City
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
George Jones: I'll Be Over You (When the Grass Grows Over Me)
Flatt & Scruggs: I Be Your Baby Tonight
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: Virginia Darling
Dottie West: Reno
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: Warm and Tender Love
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Roy Acuff: You Win Again
9:00: Luzianne
Porter Wagoner (host): Carroll County Accident
Mel Tillis: I Wish I Felt This Way At Home
Jim & Jesse: When the Snow Is On the Roses
Dolly Parton: In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)
Justin Tubb: I'm Going Back to Louisiana
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Jeannie's Afraid of the Dark
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Glaser Brothers: One of These Days
Bobby Lord: Yesterday's Letters
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy
Marion Worth: Sleeping At the Foot of the Bed
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom of the Sea
Stu Phillips: Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Hank Snow: Let Me Go Lover
10:00: Fender
Tex Ritter (host): A Funny Thing Happened To Me on the Way to Miami
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once For Me
George Morgan: Wichita Lineman
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Margie Bowes: All the World Is Lonely Now
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
10:15: Pure
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Folsom Prison Blues
George Jones & Brenda Carter: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Loretta Lynn: Woman of the World
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
10:30: Buckley's
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy, Neighbor Howdy
Mel Tillis: Who's Julie
10:45: Kent
Roy Acuff (host): Low and Lonely
Bill Monroe: The Gold Rush
Dolly Parton: Just Because I'm A Woman
Joe Greene: Katy Hill
Bob Luman: Memphis
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: The Dark End of the Street
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: The Birds are Back
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Marion Worth: Faded Love
Stringbean: Banjo Convention
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow: Old Doc Brown
Sam McGee: Wheels
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues
11:30: Lava
Glaser Brothers (host): Release Me/Then I Turned and Walked Slowly Away/Many Tears Ago/You Win Again/There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Jim & Jesse: Yonder Comes the Freight Train
Lonzo & Oscar: Love Took My Heart and Smashed That Sucker Flat
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
As with many shows of that era, I don't think there were many complaints.
The final featured line-up is from Saturday January 9, 1999 as this was the night of Boxcar Willie's final Grand Ole Opry appearances. Boxcar had joined the Opry in 1981 and for the most part, was a pretty loyal member. He balanced his Opry appearances while at the same time performing at his theater in Branson, where he was one of the first country music stars to establish roots there. In 1996 he became ill with leukemia, and as a result of the illness and treatments, his personal appearances, along with those at the Opry, dropped off. In fact, the shows that Boxcar did on this particular weekend were the only shows he did in 1999, and he passed away in April in Branson.
Here is the running order for the final Boxcar Willie shows at the Opry, Saturday January 9, 1999:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Lafayette
Skeeter Davis: I Go to the Rock
Jimmy C Newman: Bajou Blues/Cajun Stripper
6:45: Opry Book
Ricky Skaggs (host): A Pig in A Pen
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Ricky Skaggs: Boston Boy
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Jan Howard: The Unclouded Day
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses
Jim Ed Brown: Distant Drums
Porter Wagoner: One Way Ticket to the Blues/Ol' Slewfoot
7:30: Standard Candy
Lorrie Morgan (host): I'm Looking For Something In Red
Oswald: Euneta
Boxcar Willie: Wabash Cannonball/The Great Speckled Bird
Billy Ray Cyrus: A Busy Man/Shot Full of Love
Lorrie Morgan & Jim Ed Brown: Near You
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Son of the South
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Riders In The Sky: Cowboy Camp Meeting
Daryle Singletary: You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jim & Jesse: You Are the One
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Mike Snider: Short Little Lulu/Clinch Mountain Backstep/Mississippi Sawyer
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You
2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Border
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Boxcar Willie: Wabash Cannonball
Billy Ray Cyrus: A Busy Man/Shot Full of Love/Achy Breaky Heart
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jack Greene (host): Highway to the Sky
Holly Dunn: We've Got the Love
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
10:15: Opry Book
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Daryle Singletary: Forever and Always/Yesterday's Wine
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Then Know You're Gone
10:30: Epiphone
Ricky Skaggs (host): How Mountain Girls Can Love
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Ricky Skaggs: I'm Bound to Ride
10:45: Jogging In A Jug
Mike Snider (host): Bell Cove Breakdown
John Conlee: The Backside of Thirty
Orpy Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands
Jan Howard: Too Many Teardrops Too Late
Billy Walker: I Spend A Lot of Lonely Nights These Days
Vince Gill: Don't Come Cryin' To Me/Which Bridge to Cross; Which Bridge to Burn
Bill Anderson: Before
11:30: Opry Tickets
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Del Reeves: A Lover's Question
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Riders In The Sky: Jingle; Jangle; Jingle
Jim & Jesse: Gosh, I Miss You All the Time
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Johnny Russell: Red Necks; White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer
Some very nice Opry shows on this list and what memories when you look back.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Friday looks like the better of the two nights this weekend and it is nice to see Hal Ketchum back on the Opry schedule. Hal made a couple of Opry appearances over the past several years after being gone from the Opry since 2010 as he has battled some health issues. I know when he made his appearances in 2014 he sounded good. Also joining Hal will be Opry members Del McCoury Band and Vince Gill. I am sure Vince will do some type of tribute to Jimmy Dickens. It is also nice to see a couple of the Opry's veterans, jean Shepard and Jesse McReynolds on the line-up. Guest artists include The Swon Brothers, Kristian Bush, the ever popular Willis Clan, along with Pure Prairie League, who is also scheduled for Saturday night. Considering that Vince is hosting the segment on Friday that they are guesting on, I wouldn't be surprised if Vince, an ex-member, joined them.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature, along with Pure Prairie League, guest artists Chris Janson, Mark Wills, Brandon Heath and Deana Carter. Deana has made a number of Opry guest appearances over the past couple of years and has been impressive. Also scheduled, and making her Opry debut, is Mickey Guyton. She is another of the new female artists that has been receiving some notice lately.
As far as Opry hosts this weekend, Jeannie Seely, The Whites and John Conlee are hosting on both nights, along with Vince on Friday and Mike Snider on Saturday.
Friday January 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Swon Brothers; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Hal Ketchum; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; The Willis Clan
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Kristian Bush; Pure Prairie League
Saturday January 10
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chris Janson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Brandon Heath; Deana Carter
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Mickey Guyton; Pure Prairie League
Interesting that they have left an empty spot where Jimmy Dickens is traditionally scheduled. I don't know if they have something planned or if someone else, perhaps a surprise guest, will be added.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, January 8 & 9, 2010:
Friday January 8
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jason Michael Carroll
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Greg Biffle; George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; Danny Gokey
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jamie McMurray; Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown; Chris Young
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Miss Sprint Cup; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Kyle Petty
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Danny Gokey
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Holly Williams; Kyle Petty
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Michael Watrip; Hank Williams, Jr.
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Riders In The Sky; Chris Young
Saturday January 9
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; The Whites
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; Chris Young
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; Rodney Crowell
As you can tell by the number of NASCAR drivers that were featured on the Friday shows, it was the annual fan fest for NASCAR that was taking place in Nashville that weekend. You can also tell by looking at the 2 Friday night line-ups that the 2nd show was the better of the two that night.
And from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 7 & 8, 2005:
Friday January 7
7:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Pinmonkey
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Osborne Brothers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Brad Cotter
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Buddy Jewell
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Craig Morgan
Saturday January 8
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Chely Wright
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; BR549
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Rhonda Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Riders In The Sky; Martina McBride
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Martina McBride
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Louvin; Chely Wright
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Walker; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Rhonda Vincent
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; BR549
Finally, from 20 years ago, Saturday January 7, 1995. This was the night of Hank Snow's 45th anniversary as an Opry member. You may remember that Hank joined the Opry on January 7, 1950.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Monroe (host): Life's Highway
Wilma Lee Cooper: Loving You
Bill Monroe: Wheel Hoss/Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord
6:45: Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Charlie Louvin: Let Her Go; God Bless Her
Grandpa Jones: Gone Home
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Jan Howard: Under Your Spell Again
Jimmy Dickens: Me and My Big Loud Mouth/Another Bridge to Burn
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
7:30: Standard Candy
Ricky Skaggs (host): Highway 40 Blues
John Conlee: Let the Good Times Roll
Crossmen Quarter: I'm Gonna Take A Trip
The Isaacs: It's Just Like Him/Look Over the Beautiful Fields
Ricky Skaggs: You're Running Wild
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jack Greene: Every Since My Baby Went Away
Jolly Green Giants: Happy Birthday Jack
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
The Whites: There's A Higher Power
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snow Flake Reel
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Conscience, I'm Guilty
Jim Ed Brown: Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone at Last
Jeannie Seely: Happy Anniversary to Hank/Don't Touch Me
Mike Snider: Black Jack/The Fur Coat
Hank Snow: Brand On My Heart
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Jim & Jesse: Headin' West
Oswald: I'll Be All Smiles Tonight
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Ricky Skaggs: Uncle Pen
Porter Wagoner & Colene Walters: The Last Thing On My Mind
Coleen Walters: Alone With You
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind
10:00: Goody's
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Roy Drusky: Family Bible
Bill Monroe: Foggy Mountain Breakdown/Sweet Blue Eyed Darling/The Gold Rush
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
The Isaacs: Peace Like A River
George McCormick: Satisfied
10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed
Mike Snider: Soldier's Joy/Angeline the Baker/Old Molly Hare/Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee and Lord the Cannon
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
10:45: Fairfield Communities
Bill Anderson (host): I Get the Fever
Jack Greene: Forever, My Darling
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Golden Slippers
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The Prisoner's Song
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging/When He Leaves You
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind
11:30: Cates Pickles
Billy Walker (host): Come A Little Bit Closer
John Conlee: Lady Lay Down/I'm Only In It For the Love
Johnny Russell: Ain't You Even Gonna Cry
Billy Walker: Adam's Side
And finally, for this week's featured line-up, I have two to share. The first one is from Saturday January 11, 1969 as this was the night that George Jones rejoined the Opry. I have said before that George Jones and his history at the Opry has been most interesting. George originally joined the Opry on August 11, 1956. He stayed around for a few years and left. Then he rejoined in 1969, stayed a few years and left again. He rejoined for a third time in 1973, and this time it stuck and he stayed until he passed away last year. Not that all of this mattered very much as George was rarely at the Opry. In an interesting side note, Mel Tillis was introduced as a member of the Opry the same night. Yet, as we know from the Opry's history, when Mel was inducted as a member of the Opry in 2007, it was never acknowledged that Mel had ever actually joined the show. Mel was around long enough to make an edition of the Opry's Picture History Book. The thinking is that he was announced as a new member, and decided pretty much after the fact that he really didn't want to commit to the Opry. By 2007, and with the help of his daughter Pam, Mel was ready to get back on board.
Here is the Opry running order from Saturday January 11, 1969, when George Jones rejoined the Opry for the 2nd time and Mel Tillis was introduced as an Opry member the first time:
7:30: Standard Candy
Tex Ritter (host): Take Him Fishing
Billy Grammer: Mabel
George Morgan: Little Green Apples
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
Margie Bowes: I Still Miss Someone
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
4 Guys: Turn Around; Look at Me
Tex Ritter: A Funny Thing Happened to me on the Way to Miami
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): w/Paul Warren: Black Eyed Susie
George Jones & Brenda Carter: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Wilburn Brothers: We Need Lot More Happiness
Loretta Lynn: Fist City
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
George Jones: I'll Be Over You (When the Grass Grows Over Me)
Flatt & Scruggs: I Be Your Baby Tonight
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: Virginia Darling
Dottie West: Reno
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: Warm and Tender Love
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Roy Acuff: You Win Again
9:00: Luzianne
Porter Wagoner (host): Carroll County Accident
Mel Tillis: I Wish I Felt This Way At Home
Jim & Jesse: When the Snow Is On the Roses
Dolly Parton: In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)
Justin Tubb: I'm Going Back to Louisiana
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Jeannie's Afraid of the Dark
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Glaser Brothers: One of These Days
Bobby Lord: Yesterday's Letters
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy
Marion Worth: Sleeping At the Foot of the Bed
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom of the Sea
Stu Phillips: Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Hank Snow: Let Me Go Lover
10:00: Fender
Tex Ritter (host): A Funny Thing Happened To Me on the Way to Miami
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once For Me
George Morgan: Wichita Lineman
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Margie Bowes: All the World Is Lonely Now
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
10:15: Pure
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Folsom Prison Blues
George Jones & Brenda Carter: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Loretta Lynn: Woman of the World
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
10:30: Buckley's
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy, Neighbor Howdy
Mel Tillis: Who's Julie
10:45: Kent
Roy Acuff (host): Low and Lonely
Bill Monroe: The Gold Rush
Dolly Parton: Just Because I'm A Woman
Joe Greene: Katy Hill
Bob Luman: Memphis
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: The Dark End of the Street
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: The Birds are Back
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Marion Worth: Faded Love
Stringbean: Banjo Convention
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow: Old Doc Brown
Sam McGee: Wheels
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues
11:30: Lava
Glaser Brothers (host): Release Me/Then I Turned and Walked Slowly Away/Many Tears Ago/You Win Again/There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Jim & Jesse: Yonder Comes the Freight Train
Lonzo & Oscar: Love Took My Heart and Smashed That Sucker Flat
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
As with many shows of that era, I don't think there were many complaints.
The final featured line-up is from Saturday January 9, 1999 as this was the night of Boxcar Willie's final Grand Ole Opry appearances. Boxcar had joined the Opry in 1981 and for the most part, was a pretty loyal member. He balanced his Opry appearances while at the same time performing at his theater in Branson, where he was one of the first country music stars to establish roots there. In 1996 he became ill with leukemia, and as a result of the illness and treatments, his personal appearances, along with those at the Opry, dropped off. In fact, the shows that Boxcar did on this particular weekend were the only shows he did in 1999, and he passed away in April in Branson.
Here is the running order for the final Boxcar Willie shows at the Opry, Saturday January 9, 1999:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Lafayette
Skeeter Davis: I Go to the Rock
Jimmy C Newman: Bajou Blues/Cajun Stripper
6:45: Opry Book
Ricky Skaggs (host): A Pig in A Pen
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Ricky Skaggs: Boston Boy
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Jan Howard: The Unclouded Day
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses
Jim Ed Brown: Distant Drums
Porter Wagoner: One Way Ticket to the Blues/Ol' Slewfoot
7:30: Standard Candy
Lorrie Morgan (host): I'm Looking For Something In Red
Oswald: Euneta
Boxcar Willie: Wabash Cannonball/The Great Speckled Bird
Billy Ray Cyrus: A Busy Man/Shot Full of Love
Lorrie Morgan & Jim Ed Brown: Near You
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Son of the South
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Riders In The Sky: Cowboy Camp Meeting
Daryle Singletary: You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jim & Jesse: You Are the One
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Mike Snider: Short Little Lulu/Clinch Mountain Backstep/Mississippi Sawyer
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You
2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Border
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Boxcar Willie: Wabash Cannonball
Billy Ray Cyrus: A Busy Man/Shot Full of Love/Achy Breaky Heart
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jack Greene (host): Highway to the Sky
Holly Dunn: We've Got the Love
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
10:15: Opry Book
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Daryle Singletary: Forever and Always/Yesterday's Wine
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Then Know You're Gone
10:30: Epiphone
Ricky Skaggs (host): How Mountain Girls Can Love
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Ricky Skaggs: I'm Bound to Ride
10:45: Jogging In A Jug
Mike Snider (host): Bell Cove Breakdown
John Conlee: The Backside of Thirty
Orpy Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands
Jan Howard: Too Many Teardrops Too Late
Billy Walker: I Spend A Lot of Lonely Nights These Days
Vince Gill: Don't Come Cryin' To Me/Which Bridge to Cross; Which Bridge to Burn
Bill Anderson: Before
11:30: Opry Tickets
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Del Reeves: A Lover's Question
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Riders In The Sky: Jingle; Jangle; Jingle
Jim & Jesse: Gosh, I Miss You All the Time
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Johnny Russell: Red Necks; White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer
Some very nice Opry shows on this list and what memories when you look back.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Remembering Jimmy Dickens
A great Opry friend of mine, and a frequent reader of the blog, asked if I would post a few line-ups that highlighted Jimmy Dickens. He specifically asked for a couple, so here you go.
As everyone knows, while Jimmy Dickens joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1948, he left the show in 1957. He returned to the Opry as a member on February 8, 1975. On that night, Hank Snow introduced him by saying, "Jimmy is one of the greatest showmen of all time. It's like replacing the most important spoke in a wheel to have him back on the Opry. We need more Jimmy Dickenses." That first night back, Jimmy sang, "Family Reunion." Jimmy told a reporter later, "I thought that it was appropriate. It's hard to put in words and how how you feel about being back in the family. It's been so long."
Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry, Saturday February 8, 1975, the night Jimmy Dickens rejoined the Opry:
1st show
6:00: Vietti
David Houston (host): She's All Woman/Baby;Baby/Living In A House Full of Love
Charlie Louvin: (?)
Ernie Ashworth: The High Cost of Living
David Houston: Nashville
Charlie Louvin: When You Have to Fly Alone
Ernie Ashworth: Love-I Finally Found It
Kenny Penny: Devil's Dream
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): Smokey Places
Justin Tubb: Ramblin' Man
Jim & Jesse: Please Be My Love
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Don't Let Go
Billy Grammer: Wabash Cannonball/God Will Take Care of You
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
7:00: Rudy's
Bill Monroe (host): I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Loretta Lynn: The Pill
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Did You Think to Pray
Bill Monroe: Bluegrass Breakdown
7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Marion Worth: Sleeping At the Foot of the Bed
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand
Crook Brothers/ Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Cold Hard Facts of Life/The Carroll County Accident
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Wonder If You're Lonesome Too
Grandpa Jones: Ol' Rattler's Pup
Willis Brothers: Wild Side of Life
Stu Phillips: Loving You; Still Loving You
Lester Flatt: Great Big Woman and A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Fallen Leaves
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy
Lester Flatt: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Just Like Your Daddy
Jimmy Dickens: Family Reunion
Bill Carlisle: Shanghai Rooster
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Jeanne Pruett: Hold to My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need to Move A Mountain/Satin Sheets
Hank Snow: Indian Love Call
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
David Houston (host): Jambalaya
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
Charlie Louvin: Mary of the Wild Moor
David Houston: Good Things
Ernie Ashworth: The High Cost of Living
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Never Again Will I Knock on Your Door
Jimmy C Newman: Potato Song
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Bill Monroe: Mule Skinner Blues
10:15: Union 76
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Loretta Lynn: The Pill
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
Porter Wagoner: Carolina Moonshiner
Mac McGaha: Orange Blossom Special
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Little Maggie
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Arkansas Traveler
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Lester Flatt: Let the Church Roll On
10:45: Beech-Nut
Jim Ed Brown (host): The Three Bells
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Thank God I Am Free
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Ida Red
Jim Ed Brown: Southern Loving
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): You're Easy to Love
Jeanne Pruett: Just Like Your Daddy
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Jeanne Pruett: Welcome to the Sunshine
Sam McGee: Victor Rag
Hank Snow: My Mother
11:30: Elm Hill
Stu Phillips (host): Loving You; Still Loving You
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Little But I'm Loud/I Love Lucy Brown
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Bill Calisle: Have A Drink on Me
Ronnie Robbins: Mama Tried/If You Love Me, Let Me Know
Stu Phillips: No One Knows
While we know that Jimmy Dickens came to the Opry in 1948, the exact date has changed several times over the years, the majority of the time it is listed as August. In going through my Opry progams, I have several from 1948 with the first one listing Jimmy dated October 9, 1948. Here is the Opry line-up from that early Jimmy Dickens appearance.
7:30: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff (host): Its So Hard to Smile
Tommy Magness: Blackberry Blossom
Dot and Smokey: To Be Announced
Jimmy Riddle: Listen to the Mocking Bird
Roy Acuff: Waltz of the Wind
Uncle Dave Macon: Only Been Down to the Club
Jug Band: Call Old Rattler
Roy Acuff: Take My Hand Precious Lord
Sonny: Red River Valley
Dot and Smokey: To Be Announced
Oswald: Coming From the Ball
Roy Acuff: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
8:00: Purina Show
Ernest Tubb (host): Long Gone Daddy
Bill Monroe: The Girl With the Blue Velvet Band
Mel and Stan: I've Lost All
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Crook Brothers: Billy in the Low Ground
Ernest Tubb: Seaman's Blues
Blue Grass Quartet: He'll Set Your Fields on Fire
Velma: Mother's Old Sunbonnet
Butterball: There'll Be No Tears Tonight
Ernest Tubb: Darling What More Can I Do
Hal Smith: Tennessee Wagoner
8:30: Warren Paint
Cowboy Copas (host): Believe It Or Not
Lew Childre: Dis Train
Robert Lunn: To Be Announced
Uncle Dave Macon: Hesitation Blues
Possum Hunters: Old Joe
Cowboy Copas: The Hope of a Broken Heart
String Beans: Crazy War
Okey Dokies: To Be Announced
Rusty and Dusty: The Farmer's Daughter
Cowboy Copas: Kentucky Waltz
Red Herron: To Be Announced
9:00: Roy Acuff (host): Little Moses
Jimmy Riddle: You Call Everybody Darlin'
George Morgan: Please Don't Let Me Love You
Lonzo and Oscar: I Didn't Know the Gun Was Loaded
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Joe Clark
Pap and Jug Band: Roly Poly
Lazy Jim Day: Singing the News
Roy Acuff: This World Can't Stand Long
Oswald: Nobody's Business
Tommy Magness: Grey Eagle
9:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Red Foley: I Just Can't Keep from Crying
Red Foley: No One Will Ever Know
Bradley Kincaid: Blue Tail Fly
Old Hickory Quartet: Waiting for the Robert E. Lee
Wally Fowler: I Got Faith
Floyd Ethridge: Mississippi Sawyer
Floyd Ethridge: Leather Britches
10:00: Walrite
To Be Announced
To Be Announded
Bradley Kincaid: The Miner's Song
To Be Announced
To Be Announced
10:15: Gaylark
Roy Acuff (host): The Heart That Was Broken for Me
Oswald: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Uncle Dave Macon: Rock of Ages
Roy Acuff: Poem
Gang: Precious Memories
Tommy: Bully of the Town
10:30: Fletcher-Wilson
Cowboy Copas (host): Too Many Tear Drops
Lazy Jim Day: Singing the News
Lew and String Beans: Working on a Building
Cowboy Copas: Tragic Romance
Okey Dokies: To Be Announced
Red Herron: To Be Announced
10:45: Royal Flour
Milton Estes (host): Life Gets Tedious
Mel and Stan: God's River of Blessing
Jimmy Selph: I Got a Hundred and Sixty Acres
Milton Estes: Lay Down Your Soul
11:00: Jefferson Island
George Morgan (host): Petal from a Faded Rose
Crook Brothers: Dust on the Bible
To Be Announced
George Morgan: Lonely River
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
11:15: Ernest Tubb Songbook
Ernest Tubb (host): When a Soldier Knocks and Finds Nobody Home
Velma: They Warned Me About You
Drake Brothers: Highways are Happy Ways
Ernest Tubb: I'll Get Along Somehow
11:30: Farmers Wholesale Nursery
Jimmy Dickens (host): Wedding Bells
Gully Jumpers: To Be Announced
Lonzo and Oscar: To Be Announced
To Be Announced
Jimmy Dickens: Tramp on the Street
11:45: Bob West Guitar
Wally Fowler (host): One Has My Name, the Other Has My Heart
Robert Lunn: To Be Announced
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Bailey
Wally Fowler: Ten Commandments
Robert Lunn: To Be Announced
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Going Up Town
One of the early Opry books that I have in my collection is "Grand Ole Opry" by William McDaniel. This book came out in 1952 and was one of the first that covered the history of the Opry and the members of that time period. Here is what was written about Jimmy Dickens in that book:
Little Jimmy Dickens is definitely the smallest star on the Grand Ole Opry, and he probably has the loudest voice of any man his size in the entertainment field. He is only four feet and eleven inches tall, but every inch of him helps to make up a dynamo of energy and a captivating personality.
Jimmy was born in Raleigh County, West Virginia, near Bolt, and was brought up on a farm. When he was seventeen years old, he entered radio in Beckley, West Virginia, where his big voice and friendly smile made him a local success. From there he went to stations in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Jimmy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1948, and within a short time he had become a nationwide favorite for his performances both on the air and in personal appearances. The songs that Jimmy sings most are those reminiscent of rural customs and the country way of life, some serious, some humorous. Best example of this is the song that first made him famous: "Old Cold Tater." It harks back to childhood days when he had to wait to eat at the second table on Sunday when the preacher came for dinner at his house, and his mother said, "Jim, take a 'tater and wait." Similar songs that he has made famous and recorded for Columbia are "Sleepin' At The Foot Of The Bed," "The Galvanized Washing Tub" (a familiar bathing vessel), "Get Them Cold Feet Over On The Other Side," etc.
Others of slightly different nature but equally successful are "Bessie The Heifer," "I'm Little But I'm Loud," and "It May Be Silly, But Ain't It Fun." Like all other folk artists, he also sings religious songs. One of his latest is "They Locked God Outside The Iron Curtain."
During his performances, Jimmy is a diminutive cowboy. He wears a smaller version of the traditional Western garb, usually two-toned. He wears cowboy boots, and his favorite pair have sterling silver toes. As his loud voice goes into action, he pats his foot vigorously, jumps and bounces in time with the music. He never loses his infectious smile, and his eyes twinkle with good humor. Between his turns at the microphone, he is usually engaged in some spontaneous comic routine with other members of the cast.
Jimmy is married, but he has no children. He and his wife live in a modest home in Nashville's suburbs. He keeps a horse and is found of riding and hunting.
(The visitation for Jimmy Dickens will be Wednesday evening with the public service on Thursday at 11:00am. WSM radio is broadcasting the service live, both on the AM channel and on-line).
As everyone knows, while Jimmy Dickens joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1948, he left the show in 1957. He returned to the Opry as a member on February 8, 1975. On that night, Hank Snow introduced him by saying, "Jimmy is one of the greatest showmen of all time. It's like replacing the most important spoke in a wheel to have him back on the Opry. We need more Jimmy Dickenses." That first night back, Jimmy sang, "Family Reunion." Jimmy told a reporter later, "I thought that it was appropriate. It's hard to put in words and how how you feel about being back in the family. It's been so long."
Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry, Saturday February 8, 1975, the night Jimmy Dickens rejoined the Opry:
1st show
6:00: Vietti
David Houston (host): She's All Woman/Baby;Baby/Living In A House Full of Love
Charlie Louvin: (?)
Ernie Ashworth: The High Cost of Living
David Houston: Nashville
Charlie Louvin: When You Have to Fly Alone
Ernie Ashworth: Love-I Finally Found It
Kenny Penny: Devil's Dream
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): Smokey Places
Justin Tubb: Ramblin' Man
Jim & Jesse: Please Be My Love
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Don't Let Go
Billy Grammer: Wabash Cannonball/God Will Take Care of You
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
7:00: Rudy's
Bill Monroe (host): I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Loretta Lynn: The Pill
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Did You Think to Pray
Bill Monroe: Bluegrass Breakdown
7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Marion Worth: Sleeping At the Foot of the Bed
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand
Crook Brothers/ Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Cold Hard Facts of Life/The Carroll County Accident
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Wonder If You're Lonesome Too
Grandpa Jones: Ol' Rattler's Pup
Willis Brothers: Wild Side of Life
Stu Phillips: Loving You; Still Loving You
Lester Flatt: Great Big Woman and A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Fallen Leaves
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy
Lester Flatt: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Just Like Your Daddy
Jimmy Dickens: Family Reunion
Bill Carlisle: Shanghai Rooster
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Jeanne Pruett: Hold to My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need to Move A Mountain/Satin Sheets
Hank Snow: Indian Love Call
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
David Houston (host): Jambalaya
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
Charlie Louvin: Mary of the Wild Moor
David Houston: Good Things
Ernie Ashworth: The High Cost of Living
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Never Again Will I Knock on Your Door
Jimmy C Newman: Potato Song
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Bill Monroe: Mule Skinner Blues
10:15: Union 76
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Loretta Lynn: The Pill
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
Porter Wagoner: Carolina Moonshiner
Mac McGaha: Orange Blossom Special
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Little Maggie
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Arkansas Traveler
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Lester Flatt: Let the Church Roll On
10:45: Beech-Nut
Jim Ed Brown (host): The Three Bells
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Thank God I Am Free
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Ida Red
Jim Ed Brown: Southern Loving
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): You're Easy to Love
Jeanne Pruett: Just Like Your Daddy
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Jeanne Pruett: Welcome to the Sunshine
Sam McGee: Victor Rag
Hank Snow: My Mother
11:30: Elm Hill
Stu Phillips (host): Loving You; Still Loving You
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Little But I'm Loud/I Love Lucy Brown
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Bill Calisle: Have A Drink on Me
Ronnie Robbins: Mama Tried/If You Love Me, Let Me Know
Stu Phillips: No One Knows
While we know that Jimmy Dickens came to the Opry in 1948, the exact date has changed several times over the years, the majority of the time it is listed as August. In going through my Opry progams, I have several from 1948 with the first one listing Jimmy dated October 9, 1948. Here is the Opry line-up from that early Jimmy Dickens appearance.
7:30: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff (host): Its So Hard to Smile
Tommy Magness: Blackberry Blossom
Dot and Smokey: To Be Announced
Jimmy Riddle: Listen to the Mocking Bird
Roy Acuff: Waltz of the Wind
Uncle Dave Macon: Only Been Down to the Club
Jug Band: Call Old Rattler
Roy Acuff: Take My Hand Precious Lord
Sonny: Red River Valley
Dot and Smokey: To Be Announced
Oswald: Coming From the Ball
Roy Acuff: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
8:00: Purina Show
Ernest Tubb (host): Long Gone Daddy
Bill Monroe: The Girl With the Blue Velvet Band
Mel and Stan: I've Lost All
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Crook Brothers: Billy in the Low Ground
Ernest Tubb: Seaman's Blues
Blue Grass Quartet: He'll Set Your Fields on Fire
Velma: Mother's Old Sunbonnet
Butterball: There'll Be No Tears Tonight
Ernest Tubb: Darling What More Can I Do
Hal Smith: Tennessee Wagoner
8:30: Warren Paint
Cowboy Copas (host): Believe It Or Not
Lew Childre: Dis Train
Robert Lunn: To Be Announced
Uncle Dave Macon: Hesitation Blues
Possum Hunters: Old Joe
Cowboy Copas: The Hope of a Broken Heart
String Beans: Crazy War
Okey Dokies: To Be Announced
Rusty and Dusty: The Farmer's Daughter
Cowboy Copas: Kentucky Waltz
Red Herron: To Be Announced
9:00: Roy Acuff (host): Little Moses
Jimmy Riddle: You Call Everybody Darlin'
George Morgan: Please Don't Let Me Love You
Lonzo and Oscar: I Didn't Know the Gun Was Loaded
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Joe Clark
Pap and Jug Band: Roly Poly
Lazy Jim Day: Singing the News
Roy Acuff: This World Can't Stand Long
Oswald: Nobody's Business
Tommy Magness: Grey Eagle
9:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Red Foley: I Just Can't Keep from Crying
Red Foley: No One Will Ever Know
Bradley Kincaid: Blue Tail Fly
Old Hickory Quartet: Waiting for the Robert E. Lee
Wally Fowler: I Got Faith
Floyd Ethridge: Mississippi Sawyer
Floyd Ethridge: Leather Britches
10:00: Walrite
To Be Announced
To Be Announded
Bradley Kincaid: The Miner's Song
To Be Announced
To Be Announced
10:15: Gaylark
Roy Acuff (host): The Heart That Was Broken for Me
Oswald: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Uncle Dave Macon: Rock of Ages
Roy Acuff: Poem
Gang: Precious Memories
Tommy: Bully of the Town
10:30: Fletcher-Wilson
Cowboy Copas (host): Too Many Tear Drops
Lazy Jim Day: Singing the News
Lew and String Beans: Working on a Building
Cowboy Copas: Tragic Romance
Okey Dokies: To Be Announced
Red Herron: To Be Announced
10:45: Royal Flour
Milton Estes (host): Life Gets Tedious
Mel and Stan: God's River of Blessing
Jimmy Selph: I Got a Hundred and Sixty Acres
Milton Estes: Lay Down Your Soul
11:00: Jefferson Island
George Morgan (host): Petal from a Faded Rose
Crook Brothers: Dust on the Bible
To Be Announced
George Morgan: Lonely River
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
11:15: Ernest Tubb Songbook
Ernest Tubb (host): When a Soldier Knocks and Finds Nobody Home
Velma: They Warned Me About You
Drake Brothers: Highways are Happy Ways
Ernest Tubb: I'll Get Along Somehow
11:30: Farmers Wholesale Nursery
Jimmy Dickens (host): Wedding Bells
Gully Jumpers: To Be Announced
Lonzo and Oscar: To Be Announced
To Be Announced
Jimmy Dickens: Tramp on the Street
11:45: Bob West Guitar
Wally Fowler (host): One Has My Name, the Other Has My Heart
Robert Lunn: To Be Announced
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Bailey
Wally Fowler: Ten Commandments
Robert Lunn: To Be Announced
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Going Up Town
One of the early Opry books that I have in my collection is "Grand Ole Opry" by William McDaniel. This book came out in 1952 and was one of the first that covered the history of the Opry and the members of that time period. Here is what was written about Jimmy Dickens in that book:
Little Jimmy Dickens is definitely the smallest star on the Grand Ole Opry, and he probably has the loudest voice of any man his size in the entertainment field. He is only four feet and eleven inches tall, but every inch of him helps to make up a dynamo of energy and a captivating personality.
Jimmy was born in Raleigh County, West Virginia, near Bolt, and was brought up on a farm. When he was seventeen years old, he entered radio in Beckley, West Virginia, where his big voice and friendly smile made him a local success. From there he went to stations in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Jimmy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1948, and within a short time he had become a nationwide favorite for his performances both on the air and in personal appearances. The songs that Jimmy sings most are those reminiscent of rural customs and the country way of life, some serious, some humorous. Best example of this is the song that first made him famous: "Old Cold Tater." It harks back to childhood days when he had to wait to eat at the second table on Sunday when the preacher came for dinner at his house, and his mother said, "Jim, take a 'tater and wait." Similar songs that he has made famous and recorded for Columbia are "Sleepin' At The Foot Of The Bed," "The Galvanized Washing Tub" (a familiar bathing vessel), "Get Them Cold Feet Over On The Other Side," etc.
Others of slightly different nature but equally successful are "Bessie The Heifer," "I'm Little But I'm Loud," and "It May Be Silly, But Ain't It Fun." Like all other folk artists, he also sings religious songs. One of his latest is "They Locked God Outside The Iron Curtain."
During his performances, Jimmy is a diminutive cowboy. He wears a smaller version of the traditional Western garb, usually two-toned. He wears cowboy boots, and his favorite pair have sterling silver toes. As his loud voice goes into action, he pats his foot vigorously, jumps and bounces in time with the music. He never loses his infectious smile, and his eyes twinkle with good humor. Between his turns at the microphone, he is usually engaged in some spontaneous comic routine with other members of the cast.
Jimmy is married, but he has no children. He and his wife live in a modest home in Nashville's suburbs. He keeps a horse and is found of riding and hunting.
(The visitation for Jimmy Dickens will be Wednesday evening with the public service on Thursday at 11:00am. WSM radio is broadcasting the service live, both on the AM channel and on-line).
Sunday, January 4, 2015
2014 Grand Ole Opry Year In Review
With 2015 upon us, the Grand Ole Opry enters it's 90th year and I am sure there will be special events to commemorate this historical achievement. But first, it is time to review 2014 at the Opry.
2014 started with 66 Opry members. Two members, Jimmy C Newman and George Hamilton IV, passed away during the year. The Opry inducted one new member as Little Big Town joined the cast. That brings total Opry membership to 65. It should be noted that over the last two years, the Opry has lost four members, as Jack Greene and George Jones passed away the previous year, but has added only two, as in addition to Little Big Town, Old Crow Medicine Show joining the cast in 2013. With the recent passing of Jimmy Dickens, that leaves Opry membership at 64. Currently, there are no rumors of any additions that may be coming to the Opry.
Of those 66 members that began the year (67 when you include Little Big Town), 55 made at least one Opry appearance. That includes an appearance by Reba McEntire, who appeared after an absence of many years to invite Little Big Town to join the Opry. The missing Opry members included Garth Brooks, Tom T. Hall, Alan Jackson, Barbara Mandrell, Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton, Jeanne Pruett, Ricky Van Shelton, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt and Trisha Yearwood. Of that list, Barbara Mandrell, Jeanne Pruett and Ricky Van Shelton are retired, Tom T. Hall has stated that he will not be returning to the Opry and Randy Travis is ill and unable to appear. Ronnie Milsap was scheduled for a couple of appearances but cancelled. Travis Tritt last appeared in 2007. Garth, Dolly and Trisha were all touring and active this past year, but didn't or couldn't find time to do the Opry.
If that isn't enough, there are a number of Opry members who appeared only once or twice during the past year. Those who appeared just once included Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire and Keith Urban. Those who appeared just two times were Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Roy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Stonewall Jackson, Hal Ketchum, Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton.
So of those 67 Opry members in 2014, 26 appeared two times or less. That leaves 41. So who did appear the most often at the Opry in 2014? That honor goes to Jeannie Seely, who made 88 appearances. The "Top 10" is as follows:
1) Jeannie Seely -88
2) Riders In The Sky-68
3) Bill Anderson; John Conlee; The Whites-67
4) Connie Smith-64
5) Jim Ed Brown-50
6) Bobby Osborne-47
7) Jimmy Dickens-39
8) Jesse McReynolds-37
9) Jean Shepard-34
10) Mike Snider-27
When you look at that list, we know that Jimmy Dickens has passed away, Jim Ed Brown has serious health issues, and Connie Smith, Jesse McReynolds and Jean Shepard all missed time as they also had health issues during the year. Mike Snider made no Opry appearances prior to October, yet he still made the "Top 10."
In addition, there are two items that stand out on this list The first is the fact that all of those listed are veteran Opry members, each of whom have been Opry members for a significant period of time. The second is the age of those who are making the most Opry appearances. Looking at the ages of those listed, Jeannie Seely is 74; Doug Green, the leader of Riders In The Sky 68; Bill Anderson 77; John Conlee 68; Buck White 84, while Sharon and Cheryl are just over 60; Connie Smith 73; Jim Ed Brown 80; Bobby Osborne 83; Jesse McReynolds 85; Jean Shepard 81 and Mike Snider 53. While Pete Fisher would like to see the Opry membership get younger, the fact is that the majority of the load is still being carried by those well past the normal retirement age.
One of the goals of Pete Fisher has been to ask each Opry member to appear 10 times each year. It does not matter if it is a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday as they all count. So who else besides those listed above made it 10 times or more this past year? That list, and their appearance numbers, include:
Jimmy C Newman-25
Ricky Skaggs-24
Larry Gatlin-23
Vince Gill-17
Del McCoury Band-16
George Hamilton IV; Jan Howard; Mel Tillis-15
Lorrie Morgan-14
Ray Pillow-13
Charlie Daniels; Craig Morgan; Carrie Underwood-10
That comes out to 25 Opry members who made the minimum 10 Opry appearances this past year, and of those 25, 3 have passed away giving a net number of 22. And, as with those who were on the previous list of making the most Opry appearances, there is cause for concern when looking at the ages of these members. Carrie Underwood, at the age of 31 is the youngest on this list, while the ages of the rest have Ricky Skaggs 60; Larry Gatlin 66; Vince Gill 57; Del McCoury 75; Jan Howard and Mel Tillis 82; Lorrie Morgan 55; Ray Pillow 77; Charlie Daniels 78 and Craig Morgan 50. So of the 25 Opry members who made at least 10 or more appearances this past year, only 1 is under the age of 50!!
As for the 16 remaining Opry members, their appearance numbers are as follows:
Old Crow Medicine Show; Marty Stuart-9
Trace Adkins; Terri Clark; Charley Pride; Little Big Town-8
Diamond Rio; Oak Ridge Boys; Pam Tillis-7
Rascal Flatts; Josh Turner; Steve Wariner-6
Joe Diffie; Ralph Stanley-5
Montgomery Gentry; Stu Phillips-3
In looking at that list, Diamond Rio and Steve Wariner are usually pretty good at making the 10 yearly appearances, while a few of the others are pretty close to the number. I always add the disclaimer that Pete's asking for 10 yearly appearances only applies to those who he asked to become Opry members, those who joined since June 1999 when Pete became the Opry's general manager. Of those who have joined since Pete became the general manager, the average number of appearances last year was 7. Overall, he has done well with Charlie Daniels, Del McCoury, Oak Ridge Boys, Mel Tillis and Carrie Underwood. The jury is still out on Old Crow Medicine Show and Little Big Town. He has missed big time with Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton.
The Opry had a total (if I added right) of 267 guest artists who appeared in 2014. It breaks down to 122 male acts, 80 female and 65 females. So of those who made guest appearances last year, who were there more than 10 times? That list includes:
Chris Janson-32
The Willis Clan-30
Greg Bates-18
Striking Matches-17
Elizabeth Cook; Sarah Darling; The Henningsens-16
Mandy Barnett; Jimmy Wayne; Mark Wills-15
Sara Haze-14
Charles Esten-13
JT Hodges-12
T.G. Sheppard-11
Exile; Restless Heart-10
In the cases of Mandy Barnett, Chris Janson, Sarah Darling, Striking Matches, Mark Wills, Jimmy Wayne, Greg Bates, Elizabeth Cook, The Willis Clan, Sara Haze and Exile, they were all on the list last year. Would the Opry be any worst having these folks as members versus those who are members and do not show up?
The Opry over the past several years has done a lot of cross promotion with the "Nashville" television show, which is on ABC. In fact, Steve Buchanan is one of the executive producers of the show. So how many Opry appearances did actors associated with "Nashville" make at the Opry in 2014? That number comes to 59. And that is just the "main" characters.
People have asked me what I would do about the Opry members who have not been appearing on the show. In the case of those who are retired, I would end their Opry membership. This concept of being retired and still keeping their Opry membership started with Barbara Mandrell. She asked and the management said yes. Back in the day, if you decided to retire, your Opry membership ended. There are many who lost their Opry membership, such as Lonzo and Oscar, Marion Worth, and more recently Holly Dunn, because they retired from performing. It doesn't make them a bad person, but the Opry is an active show and needs active members to survive. Those who are ill, I would give an exemption to. As far as Tom T. Hall, Reba McEntire and Travis Tritt, who haven't peformed for decades on the show, I would tell them we have gotten along very well without you and if you are not coming back, their membership would end. (Of course, we know in the real world that is not going to happen).
As for the rest, I would give them a year to at least increase their appearances. I know in the case of a few, such as Stonewall Jackson and Stu Phillips, they would appear more if asked. I know Stu Phillips was at the birthday bash last year, and I think some of it was that he asked to be on that night and the Opry said yes. And to me, if you are having the same guest artists making more then 10 appearances year after year, you might as well make them members. The Opry will not be any worse off and really there is no magic number of members. But as we know, in today's Opry, membership isn't what it once was.
In 2014, there were a total of 184 Opry shows, which was up 2 from the year before. The breakdown was 61 Saturday night shows, 54 Friday night shows, 44 Tuesday night shows, 9 Wednesday shows, 14 Opry Country Classics and then the one Tuesday and Saturday matinee.
As far as hosting segments, Jeannie Seely was the leader, hosting 71 times. She was followed by Riders In The Sky with 56; John Conlee 50; Bill Anderson 49; Connie Smith 39; Jim Ed Brown 26 and The Whites 22. 26 different Opry members hosted at least one segment. What I found interesting is Ray Pillow making 13 Opry appearances and hosting a segment on each appearance.
2014 saw the Opry recognize Jesse McReynolds and Bobby Osborne for 50 years of Opry membership. What is interesting about these two bluegrass giants, each came to the Opry originally with their brothers. Jim McReynolds passed away in 2002, while Sonny Osborne retired in 2005. 2014 also marked the Opry's 89th anniversary and it is safe to say that the birthday bash was one of the worst in the Opry's history. 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of Connie Smith as an Opry member and also the Opry's 90th anniversary. 90 years is a significant achievement and I think we all hope that the Opry will treat it as such this October. 2015 will also mark 25 years of Opry membership for Garth Brooks and Mike Snider.
All in all, 2014 was very similar to 2013 at the Opry. The year saw the passing of several veteran Opry members, a continued shift to younger guest artists, and a reduction in the appearances by veteran Opry members. From a financial and attendance standpoint, I am told it was a very good year at the Opry and that the management of Ryman Hospitalities continues to be pleased with the performance of the show. I know many of us may not necessarily agree with that statement, yet that is how they feel.
Only time will tell what 2015 will bring. The hope for a big 90th birthday bash and new members who will support the Opry is probably at the top of the list. Only time will tell. Here is hoping for a good year.
2014 started with 66 Opry members. Two members, Jimmy C Newman and George Hamilton IV, passed away during the year. The Opry inducted one new member as Little Big Town joined the cast. That brings total Opry membership to 65. It should be noted that over the last two years, the Opry has lost four members, as Jack Greene and George Jones passed away the previous year, but has added only two, as in addition to Little Big Town, Old Crow Medicine Show joining the cast in 2013. With the recent passing of Jimmy Dickens, that leaves Opry membership at 64. Currently, there are no rumors of any additions that may be coming to the Opry.
Of those 66 members that began the year (67 when you include Little Big Town), 55 made at least one Opry appearance. That includes an appearance by Reba McEntire, who appeared after an absence of many years to invite Little Big Town to join the Opry. The missing Opry members included Garth Brooks, Tom T. Hall, Alan Jackson, Barbara Mandrell, Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton, Jeanne Pruett, Ricky Van Shelton, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt and Trisha Yearwood. Of that list, Barbara Mandrell, Jeanne Pruett and Ricky Van Shelton are retired, Tom T. Hall has stated that he will not be returning to the Opry and Randy Travis is ill and unable to appear. Ronnie Milsap was scheduled for a couple of appearances but cancelled. Travis Tritt last appeared in 2007. Garth, Dolly and Trisha were all touring and active this past year, but didn't or couldn't find time to do the Opry.
If that isn't enough, there are a number of Opry members who appeared only once or twice during the past year. Those who appeared just once included Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire and Keith Urban. Those who appeared just two times were Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Roy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Stonewall Jackson, Hal Ketchum, Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton.
So of those 67 Opry members in 2014, 26 appeared two times or less. That leaves 41. So who did appear the most often at the Opry in 2014? That honor goes to Jeannie Seely, who made 88 appearances. The "Top 10" is as follows:
1) Jeannie Seely -88
2) Riders In The Sky-68
3) Bill Anderson; John Conlee; The Whites-67
4) Connie Smith-64
5) Jim Ed Brown-50
6) Bobby Osborne-47
7) Jimmy Dickens-39
8) Jesse McReynolds-37
9) Jean Shepard-34
10) Mike Snider-27
When you look at that list, we know that Jimmy Dickens has passed away, Jim Ed Brown has serious health issues, and Connie Smith, Jesse McReynolds and Jean Shepard all missed time as they also had health issues during the year. Mike Snider made no Opry appearances prior to October, yet he still made the "Top 10."
In addition, there are two items that stand out on this list The first is the fact that all of those listed are veteran Opry members, each of whom have been Opry members for a significant period of time. The second is the age of those who are making the most Opry appearances. Looking at the ages of those listed, Jeannie Seely is 74; Doug Green, the leader of Riders In The Sky 68; Bill Anderson 77; John Conlee 68; Buck White 84, while Sharon and Cheryl are just over 60; Connie Smith 73; Jim Ed Brown 80; Bobby Osborne 83; Jesse McReynolds 85; Jean Shepard 81 and Mike Snider 53. While Pete Fisher would like to see the Opry membership get younger, the fact is that the majority of the load is still being carried by those well past the normal retirement age.
One of the goals of Pete Fisher has been to ask each Opry member to appear 10 times each year. It does not matter if it is a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday as they all count. So who else besides those listed above made it 10 times or more this past year? That list, and their appearance numbers, include:
Jimmy C Newman-25
Ricky Skaggs-24
Larry Gatlin-23
Vince Gill-17
Del McCoury Band-16
George Hamilton IV; Jan Howard; Mel Tillis-15
Lorrie Morgan-14
Ray Pillow-13
Charlie Daniels; Craig Morgan; Carrie Underwood-10
That comes out to 25 Opry members who made the minimum 10 Opry appearances this past year, and of those 25, 3 have passed away giving a net number of 22. And, as with those who were on the previous list of making the most Opry appearances, there is cause for concern when looking at the ages of these members. Carrie Underwood, at the age of 31 is the youngest on this list, while the ages of the rest have Ricky Skaggs 60; Larry Gatlin 66; Vince Gill 57; Del McCoury 75; Jan Howard and Mel Tillis 82; Lorrie Morgan 55; Ray Pillow 77; Charlie Daniels 78 and Craig Morgan 50. So of the 25 Opry members who made at least 10 or more appearances this past year, only 1 is under the age of 50!!
As for the 16 remaining Opry members, their appearance numbers are as follows:
Old Crow Medicine Show; Marty Stuart-9
Trace Adkins; Terri Clark; Charley Pride; Little Big Town-8
Diamond Rio; Oak Ridge Boys; Pam Tillis-7
Rascal Flatts; Josh Turner; Steve Wariner-6
Joe Diffie; Ralph Stanley-5
Montgomery Gentry; Stu Phillips-3
In looking at that list, Diamond Rio and Steve Wariner are usually pretty good at making the 10 yearly appearances, while a few of the others are pretty close to the number. I always add the disclaimer that Pete's asking for 10 yearly appearances only applies to those who he asked to become Opry members, those who joined since June 1999 when Pete became the Opry's general manager. Of those who have joined since Pete became the general manager, the average number of appearances last year was 7. Overall, he has done well with Charlie Daniels, Del McCoury, Oak Ridge Boys, Mel Tillis and Carrie Underwood. The jury is still out on Old Crow Medicine Show and Little Big Town. He has missed big time with Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton.
The Opry had a total (if I added right) of 267 guest artists who appeared in 2014. It breaks down to 122 male acts, 80 female and 65 females. So of those who made guest appearances last year, who were there more than 10 times? That list includes:
Chris Janson-32
The Willis Clan-30
Greg Bates-18
Striking Matches-17
Elizabeth Cook; Sarah Darling; The Henningsens-16
Mandy Barnett; Jimmy Wayne; Mark Wills-15
Sara Haze-14
Charles Esten-13
JT Hodges-12
T.G. Sheppard-11
Exile; Restless Heart-10
In the cases of Mandy Barnett, Chris Janson, Sarah Darling, Striking Matches, Mark Wills, Jimmy Wayne, Greg Bates, Elizabeth Cook, The Willis Clan, Sara Haze and Exile, they were all on the list last year. Would the Opry be any worst having these folks as members versus those who are members and do not show up?
The Opry over the past several years has done a lot of cross promotion with the "Nashville" television show, which is on ABC. In fact, Steve Buchanan is one of the executive producers of the show. So how many Opry appearances did actors associated with "Nashville" make at the Opry in 2014? That number comes to 59. And that is just the "main" characters.
People have asked me what I would do about the Opry members who have not been appearing on the show. In the case of those who are retired, I would end their Opry membership. This concept of being retired and still keeping their Opry membership started with Barbara Mandrell. She asked and the management said yes. Back in the day, if you decided to retire, your Opry membership ended. There are many who lost their Opry membership, such as Lonzo and Oscar, Marion Worth, and more recently Holly Dunn, because they retired from performing. It doesn't make them a bad person, but the Opry is an active show and needs active members to survive. Those who are ill, I would give an exemption to. As far as Tom T. Hall, Reba McEntire and Travis Tritt, who haven't peformed for decades on the show, I would tell them we have gotten along very well without you and if you are not coming back, their membership would end. (Of course, we know in the real world that is not going to happen).
As for the rest, I would give them a year to at least increase their appearances. I know in the case of a few, such as Stonewall Jackson and Stu Phillips, they would appear more if asked. I know Stu Phillips was at the birthday bash last year, and I think some of it was that he asked to be on that night and the Opry said yes. And to me, if you are having the same guest artists making more then 10 appearances year after year, you might as well make them members. The Opry will not be any worse off and really there is no magic number of members. But as we know, in today's Opry, membership isn't what it once was.
In 2014, there were a total of 184 Opry shows, which was up 2 from the year before. The breakdown was 61 Saturday night shows, 54 Friday night shows, 44 Tuesday night shows, 9 Wednesday shows, 14 Opry Country Classics and then the one Tuesday and Saturday matinee.
As far as hosting segments, Jeannie Seely was the leader, hosting 71 times. She was followed by Riders In The Sky with 56; John Conlee 50; Bill Anderson 49; Connie Smith 39; Jim Ed Brown 26 and The Whites 22. 26 different Opry members hosted at least one segment. What I found interesting is Ray Pillow making 13 Opry appearances and hosting a segment on each appearance.
2014 saw the Opry recognize Jesse McReynolds and Bobby Osborne for 50 years of Opry membership. What is interesting about these two bluegrass giants, each came to the Opry originally with their brothers. Jim McReynolds passed away in 2002, while Sonny Osborne retired in 2005. 2014 also marked the Opry's 89th anniversary and it is safe to say that the birthday bash was one of the worst in the Opry's history. 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of Connie Smith as an Opry member and also the Opry's 90th anniversary. 90 years is a significant achievement and I think we all hope that the Opry will treat it as such this October. 2015 will also mark 25 years of Opry membership for Garth Brooks and Mike Snider.
All in all, 2014 was very similar to 2013 at the Opry. The year saw the passing of several veteran Opry members, a continued shift to younger guest artists, and a reduction in the appearances by veteran Opry members. From a financial and attendance standpoint, I am told it was a very good year at the Opry and that the management of Ryman Hospitalities continues to be pleased with the performance of the show. I know many of us may not necessarily agree with that statement, yet that is how they feel.
Only time will tell what 2015 will bring. The hope for a big 90th birthday bash and new members who will support the Opry is probably at the top of the list. Only time will tell. Here is hoping for a good year.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Little Jimmy Dickens
The news came out this evening that Grand Ole Opry member, and Country Music Hall of Famer, Jimmy Dickens has passed away at the age of 94. We know now that on Christmas day, he suffered a stroke and while the initial reports were hopeful that he was recovering, he died from cardiac arrest this afternoon. On December 19, he celebrated his birthday and the following night, December 20, he appeared on the Opry for the final time. I feel very lucky that I was at the Opry the week before and Jimmy was there. While looking thinner then in the past, he looked and sounded good and was very energetic on stage. He left us all with a good memory.
I am not going to write the biography of Jimmy as Peter Cooper has done an excellent job in the Nashville Tennessean. While reading what Peter wrote, I had to smile and remember all of the great things that Jimmy had done in his career and how long is career really was. He outlasted everyone from the 1940s and he always enjoyed telling stories about those early years. While physically he was wearing down, mentally he was still sharp.
I was lucky enough to have met Jimmy a few years back while at the Opry. His kindness was appreciated as even though I have been around a while and have met many entertainers, I was still nervous when asking him for a picture. As we finished up, I turned to him and told him thanks and how much I appreciated his time. He turned to me and said, "No, THANK YOU for coming to the Opry." He always appreciated his fans.
I have to admit that for many years I was not a huge fan of Jimmy. I don't know what it was, but I just didn't think of him in the same terms as I did of Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Porter Wagoner or Minnie Pearl, all of whom you immediately associated with the Opry. But as Jimmy's legacy grew over the past several decades, I came to appreciate him even more. Well into his 80's, and turning 90, he kept coming back from each serious illness. Just when you would think he was not going to be at the Opry, you turned on the radio and there he was. He set an example that today's generation of Opry stars would find hard to follow. Maybe that is why it is so hard to accept that this time he really is gone.
Many of his fans know of Jimmy only for his comedy and comedy songs. But let me tell you, back in his prime, Jimmy was one of the finest ballad singers around. He would bring a tear to your eye with "Raggedy Ann" and some of the others. He was able to poke fun at himself and be the butt of many jokes. That is an art in itself.
Listening to Pete Fisher tonight on the Opry and the dedication that he did, he was very emotional and could not get through it and broke down. I have never heard Pete that way before when expressing his thoughts about any of the Opry's members. I think it shows how much Jimmy was thought of at the Opry. Some of you may or may not know this, but on December 14, Pete had a surprise 94th birthday party for Jimmy at his house. I am told it was well attended.
2014 was a tough year at the Opry as we lost Jimmy C Newman, George Hamilton IV and Earl White. Now we start off 2015 with the passing of Jimmy Dickens and the continued illness of Jim Ed Brown. Each of these entertainers were pillars of the Opry. As we listen to the Opry this weekend and the various dedications for Jimmy, I am sure all of us will remember the good times, the jokes and the great songs. And we will remember his love for the Opry and for his fans. He appreciated each one of us, just as we appreciated him.
I am not going to write the biography of Jimmy as Peter Cooper has done an excellent job in the Nashville Tennessean. While reading what Peter wrote, I had to smile and remember all of the great things that Jimmy had done in his career and how long is career really was. He outlasted everyone from the 1940s and he always enjoyed telling stories about those early years. While physically he was wearing down, mentally he was still sharp.
I was lucky enough to have met Jimmy a few years back while at the Opry. His kindness was appreciated as even though I have been around a while and have met many entertainers, I was still nervous when asking him for a picture. As we finished up, I turned to him and told him thanks and how much I appreciated his time. He turned to me and said, "No, THANK YOU for coming to the Opry." He always appreciated his fans.
I have to admit that for many years I was not a huge fan of Jimmy. I don't know what it was, but I just didn't think of him in the same terms as I did of Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Porter Wagoner or Minnie Pearl, all of whom you immediately associated with the Opry. But as Jimmy's legacy grew over the past several decades, I came to appreciate him even more. Well into his 80's, and turning 90, he kept coming back from each serious illness. Just when you would think he was not going to be at the Opry, you turned on the radio and there he was. He set an example that today's generation of Opry stars would find hard to follow. Maybe that is why it is so hard to accept that this time he really is gone.
Many of his fans know of Jimmy only for his comedy and comedy songs. But let me tell you, back in his prime, Jimmy was one of the finest ballad singers around. He would bring a tear to your eye with "Raggedy Ann" and some of the others. He was able to poke fun at himself and be the butt of many jokes. That is an art in itself.
Listening to Pete Fisher tonight on the Opry and the dedication that he did, he was very emotional and could not get through it and broke down. I have never heard Pete that way before when expressing his thoughts about any of the Opry's members. I think it shows how much Jimmy was thought of at the Opry. Some of you may or may not know this, but on December 14, Pete had a surprise 94th birthday party for Jimmy at his house. I am told it was well attended.
2014 was a tough year at the Opry as we lost Jimmy C Newman, George Hamilton IV and Earl White. Now we start off 2015 with the passing of Jimmy Dickens and the continued illness of Jim Ed Brown. Each of these entertainers were pillars of the Opry. As we listen to the Opry this weekend and the various dedications for Jimmy, I am sure all of us will remember the good times, the jokes and the great songs. And we will remember his love for the Opry and for his fans. He appreciated each one of us, just as we appreciated him.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
January Opry Highlights
Happy New Year to Grand Ole Opry fans everywhere. I hope 2015 is a great year for each of you and also for the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry will be celebrating it's 90th anniversary this coming October and I know many of us are counting on a great birthday show. Continuing with tradition, here is a review of the important and historical events that have taken place in Opry history, or with Opry members, during the month of January:
January 16, 1943: Ernest Tubb makes his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. On this historic night, Ernest played a guitar that belonged to his idol Jimmie Rodgers, which was given to him by Jimmie's widow, Carrie. Carrie had taken Ernest under her wing and gave him much support during the early part of his career. Ernest never forgot that support and after he started the Midnight Jamboree, he always insisted that the first song played was a Jimmy Rodgers recording. Ernest would remain one of the Opry's most loyal and important members and would remain an Opry member until his death in September 1984.
January 7, 1950: The legendary Hank Snow makes his first appearance on the Opry. It was also the night that Hank became an Opry member. They did things a little different back in those days. It was Ernest Tubb that convinced Opry management to give Hank an opportunity on the show. For his debut performance, Ernest let Hank use his band as Hank did not have one of his own and could not afford to hire anyone. That night, Ernest introduced Hank by saying, "From up Canada way, here's the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Singing Ranger, Hank Snow." Hank sang "Brand On My Heart" which had been a hit for him in Canada and in the Dallas, Texas area. He considered his debut a flop, as he received very little reaction from the audience. He was so upset that he did not want to go back, but his wife Min convinced Hank that he owed it to Ernest to return. He went back but it did not improve and the Opry was getting ready to fire him when "I'm Moving On" hit. The rest is history and Hank would be remain an Opry member for the next 49 years, until his death in 1999.
January 7, 1950: On the same night that Hank Snow made his Opry debut, so did another future member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tennessee Ernie Ford. Unlike Hank, Ernie Ford was already an established star and was featured on the Prince Albert portion of the show hosted by Red Foley. While he forgot what he sang that night, Minnie Pearl would later say that it was "Anticipation Blues." While he never became an Opry member, Ernie had an open invitation to appear on the Opry whenever he was in town and many times he took the Opry up on the offer. In most cases, he would appear on the Martha White portion as he was friends with the management of that company.
January 1, 1953: Hank Williams was found dead in the backseat of his car in West Virginia. Hank was being driven to a New Year's Day appearance in Canton, Ohio. Also booked on the show that night were Jimmy Dickens, June Webb, and a few others. Jimmy Dickens did not make the trip due to the bad weather but the other performers who did show that night did the show as a tribute to Hank. The auditorium where the show took place is just a few miles from my house and is still in use today. While Hank was not an Opry member at the time of his death, he is still considered one of the greatest members in Opry history.
January 19, 1953: Marty Robbins made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Marty would become an Opry member shortly after and would become one of the Opry's most popular members.
January 22, 1953: The Ozark Jubilee made its television debut on the ABC network. The show was hosted by Red Foley, who left the Opry for this opportunity.
January 29, 1954: Theron Hale passed away. He was one of the early members of the Opry, becoming a regular on the show in 1926 and continuing on the Opry into the 1930s. Even after he left the Opry, he continued to perform on occasion with Sam McGee. While at the Opry, he was introduced as "Theron Hale and Daughters.", which were Elizabeth and Mamie Ruth. They broke up in the 1930s when Mamie Ruth left.
January 22, 1955: Porter Wagoner made his first appearance on the Opry. In February 1957, he joined as a member and would remain at the Opry for just over 50 years.
January 12, 1957: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper became members of the Grand Ole Opry. They came to Nashville from Wheeling, West Virginia, where they were regulars on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. For a period of time, their daughter Carol Lee was also part of the act. Stoney died in 1977 and after his death Wilma Lee continued as an Opry member. In 2001 she suffered a stroke while performing on the Opry, which ended her career. In 2007 she appeared on the Opry and was recognized for 50 years of Opry membership. Her last Opry appearance was in 2010 at the reopening of the Opry House after the Nashville flood.
January 1, 1960: Although there is some debate as to the exact date, it would appear that this is the date that Billy Walker became a member of the Opry. Billy would remain an Opry member, and a very loyal one, until his death in a car/van accident in 2006. Later in his career, Billy was one of the artists who spoke up about Opry management reducing the appearances of many of the senior Opry members.
January 9, 1960: Patsy Cline became a member of the Opry. While her time at the Opry was very short, her influence on female artists is still felt. In a pretty famous story, Patsy, who had been appearing as a guest artist at the Opry for a few years, approached Opry manager Ott Devine and asked if she might one day become an Opry member. Ott's response was, "Patsy, if that's all you want, you are on the Opry." Just like that, she was an Opry member.
January 9, 1965: Norma Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Much as Dolly Parton would do a few years later, Norma Jean joined the show as she was performing as part of Porter Wagoner's group. After leaving Porter's show in 1967, she left Nashville and the Opry. She is still active today and performs a few shows in Branson. "Pretty Miss Norma Jean," as Porter would introduce her is 77 this year and she has a new CD out.
January 7, 1967: Charley Pride became the first black solo singer to perform on the Opry. He was introduced by Ernest Tubb and sang, "The Snakes Crawl at Night" and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You." Shortly afterwards, he was asked to become a member of the Opry, but he declined due to his heavy touring schedule. He would be asked several more times until finally in 1993 he accepted the invitation to join the cast. He was the second black artist to join the Opry, following in the footsteps of Deford Bailey.
January 4, 1969: Dolly Parton became a member of the Opry. This will be her 46th year as an Opry member. Early on, and when she was part of Porter Wagoner's road show, she was on the Opry frequently. However, as she embarked on her solo career, her Opry appearances have reduced to practically nothing. She has even commented that if she was in charge of the show, she would fire herself as a member. It was Carl and Pearl Butler, themselves former Opry members, who were friends with Dolly and helped to bring her to Nashville at the age of 12. She remembered her first time singing on the Opry: "They used to have this Friday Night Frolics and I went up there one night with the intention of being on it. I kept telling everyone I'll sing just one song. Most of the Opry artists had two spots on the show and I walked up to Jimmy C Newman, who was going to sing his second song next and I told him I wanted to be on. I didn't know why he did it, but Jimmy gave me his spot and I sang a George Jones song." Just my opinion, but it would be nice, since Dolly actually lives pretty close to the Opry House, to stop over once in a while and sing a song or two.
January 11, 1969: George Jones rejoined the Opry. Over the course of his career, George would join the Opry and then leave several times. Not that it mattered as George was not around the Opry that much.
January 1, 1971: Tom T Hall accepted an invitation and became a member of the Opry. Not that it matters since Tom T hasn't done the Opry in decades, but this will be his 44th year as a member. Don't expect him anytime soon, as he has told people that he has no intention of coming back. He originally joined in 1971, but quit in March 1974 when the Opry moved to the new Opry House. He rejoined the show, at the urging of Ernest Tubb, in 1980. After he came back, he was a regular but by the 1990s, his interest in the show seem to have ended.
January 20, 1973: For the first and only time, Jerry Lee Lewis performed on the Opry. He had always wanted an invitation to appear, but the Opry was afraid of what Jerry would do on stage. The Opry made Jerry promise not do to rock and roll and not to swear. Jerry Lee broke both promises. He appeared on the 11:30 segment hosted that night by Charlie Walker and was on stage for 40 minutes. In a very nice move, he invited Del Wood to appear with him for a song, and he commented the on a previous visit to the Opry Del was the only Opry member who treated him with respect.
January 2, 1974: Opry member Tex Ritter passed away in Nashville after suffering a heart attack. Tex joined the Opry in 1965 and enjoyed being in Nashville and an Opry member. He was just the 5th person to have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. "Hillbilly Heaven" is one of his great hits.
January 28, 1976: Skeeter Willis, part of the Willis Brothers, passed away at the age of 58. The Willis Brothers came to the Opry in 1946 and were famous for the western style of music that they played.
January 27, 1979: Sissy Spacek, who played the part of Loretta Lynn in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" joined Loretta for an appearance on the Opry.
January 20, 1984: Mike Snider made his first appearance on the Opry. He was a member of the Hee Haw cast and famous for his comedy and banjo playing. He would eventually join the Opry as a member.
January 11, 1986: Mel McDaniel became a member of the Opry. He would remain an Opry member until passing away in 2011 after a long illness.
January 14, 1986: During the Opry's televised 60th anniversary special, Reba McEntire was introduced as the Opry's newest member. While this was the date that the special was on, it was actually filmed in the November 1985, which is when she officially became a member. She is in her 29th year as an Opry member. It will be interesting to see if next year the Opry will do anything for her 30th year as an Opry member, considering she is very rarely at the Opry. In an interesting note, Hank Snow refused to appear on the special because CBS wanted to limit him to just one verse of "I'm Moving On."
January 14, 1989: Hubert Gregory of the Fruit Jar Drinkers passed away. Hubert's career at the Opry, as with the Fruit Jar Drinkers, goes back to the earliest days of the Opry. Like many others of that era, he played with many different groups and combinations of folks, including Sam and Kirk McGee.
January 20, 1990: Hank Snow celebrated his 40th anniversary as a member of the Opry. The televised segment included a special appearance by the Glaser Brothers. It was their first Opry appearance since giving up their membership and it was also the last time that the Glaser Brothers peformed together on any stage.
January 10, 1991: Clint Black became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 24th year as an Opry member, which is about the number of appearances that Clint has made since joining the cast. It was nice to see Clint at the Opry in March as part of the Opry House 40th anniversary show. Clint continues to live in California and just doesn't get to Nashville much.
January 25, 1992: Emmylou Harris is introduced by Roy Acuff as the newest member of the Opry. This will be her 23rd year as an Opry member. It was nice to see Emmylou at the Opry a few weeks back, but knowing Emmylou's love for the history and tradition of country music, I thought when she joined the Opry she would support the show and make regular appearances. But as with others, I have been proven wrong and she seems good for just one or two Opry appearances each year, usually when the Opry is at the Ryman in the winter months.
January 22, 1994: Hal Ketchum joined the cast of the Opry. After being gone from the Opry for several years due to health related issues, Hal has returned to the Opry for a couple of appearances and has looked and sounded pretty good. This will be his 21st year as an Opry member.
January 21, 1995: Brother Oswald, longtime member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, became an offical member of the Opry at the age of 83. I believe that would make him the oldest person to have joined the Opry. Oswald came to the Opry with Roy Acuff in the 1930s and thanks to the efforts of Marty Stuart and Porter Wagoner, Oswald became a member of the cast. He helped to define the sound of Roy Acuff, and after Roy's death, Oswald would usually perform with Charlie Collins. Oswald passed away in 2002 and while he was not an Opry member the entire time, he was associated with the Opry for over 60 years.
January 7, 1997: Gaylord Entertainment, in a move that seemed good at the time, acquired Word Records and Music, a contemporary Christian music company. A few years later, as Gaylord began selling off many of their properties, Word Music was one of the first to go.
January 3, 1998: Grandpa Jones made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. After hosting his segment on the 2nd show that evening, Grandpa suffered the first of what would become a series of strokes. He was taken directly from the Opry House to a Nashville hospital. His condition would continue to decline and he passed away on February 19, 1998.
January 24, 1998: Opry member Justin Tubb passed away after a sudden illness. He was the son of Ernest Tubb and when he joined the Opry in 1955, he was the Opry's youngest member. Not only was Justin a fine singer, but he was an excellent songwriter.
January 9, 1999: Opry member Boxcar Willie makes his final appearance on the Opry. He had first appeared on the Opry in 1980 and became a member in February 1981.
January 15, 1999: The Grand Ole Opry returned to the Ryman Auditorium for the first time since moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974. There were three shows that weekend, which included the Friday Night Opry and two shows on Saturday night, all of which were sold-out. During the 1st show on Saturday, Ricky Skaggs invited Trisha Yearwood to become the newest member of the Opry. Of course she said yes and she was officially inducted in March. The weekend of shows were so successful and well received, that the Opry has made an annual winter return to the Ryman.
January 15, 2000: Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley joined the Grand Ole Opry. Patty Loveless handled the official induction. He had been asked the night before during the Friday Night Opry if he would like to become an Opry member and they went ahead and did the induction the next night. This will be his 15th year as an Opry member.
January 4, 2003: Hank Williams Jr and Hank Williams III performed together at the Opry in a show that marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams. Also appearing in the tribute were Jimmy Dickens, The Whites and Vince Gill.
January 1, 2007: After a long illness, Grand Ole Opry member Del Reeves passed away at the age of 73. He had been an Opry member for 41 years.
January 11, 2007: Opry member Stonewall Jackson filed an age discrimination lawsuit against Gaylord Entertainment and the management of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall made several claims and specifically named Pete Fisher. As the lawsuit played out, Stonewall avoided Opry appearances, even though he had been asked to do the show. Eventually the lawsuit was settled out of court with Stonewall claiming privately that the Opry made a settlement. Stonewall did see his Opry appearances increase in the short term, however today he rarely appears at the Opry.
January 19, 2008: Charlie Daniels became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 7th year as an Opry member. He said at the time of his induction that becoming an Opry member had been a dream for him and he was very happy to have been invited to join.
January 26, 2011: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin passed away after an extended illness. Charlie, along with his brother Ira, had joined the Opry in 1955. After Ira's death, Charlie continued as a solo artist at the Opry. Toward the end of his life, Charlie was very outspoken with the way he felt he was being treated and the reduction in his appearances.
January 16, 1943: Ernest Tubb makes his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. On this historic night, Ernest played a guitar that belonged to his idol Jimmie Rodgers, which was given to him by Jimmie's widow, Carrie. Carrie had taken Ernest under her wing and gave him much support during the early part of his career. Ernest never forgot that support and after he started the Midnight Jamboree, he always insisted that the first song played was a Jimmy Rodgers recording. Ernest would remain one of the Opry's most loyal and important members and would remain an Opry member until his death in September 1984.
January 7, 1950: The legendary Hank Snow makes his first appearance on the Opry. It was also the night that Hank became an Opry member. They did things a little different back in those days. It was Ernest Tubb that convinced Opry management to give Hank an opportunity on the show. For his debut performance, Ernest let Hank use his band as Hank did not have one of his own and could not afford to hire anyone. That night, Ernest introduced Hank by saying, "From up Canada way, here's the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Singing Ranger, Hank Snow." Hank sang "Brand On My Heart" which had been a hit for him in Canada and in the Dallas, Texas area. He considered his debut a flop, as he received very little reaction from the audience. He was so upset that he did not want to go back, but his wife Min convinced Hank that he owed it to Ernest to return. He went back but it did not improve and the Opry was getting ready to fire him when "I'm Moving On" hit. The rest is history and Hank would be remain an Opry member for the next 49 years, until his death in 1999.
January 7, 1950: On the same night that Hank Snow made his Opry debut, so did another future member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tennessee Ernie Ford. Unlike Hank, Ernie Ford was already an established star and was featured on the Prince Albert portion of the show hosted by Red Foley. While he forgot what he sang that night, Minnie Pearl would later say that it was "Anticipation Blues." While he never became an Opry member, Ernie had an open invitation to appear on the Opry whenever he was in town and many times he took the Opry up on the offer. In most cases, he would appear on the Martha White portion as he was friends with the management of that company.
January 1, 1953: Hank Williams was found dead in the backseat of his car in West Virginia. Hank was being driven to a New Year's Day appearance in Canton, Ohio. Also booked on the show that night were Jimmy Dickens, June Webb, and a few others. Jimmy Dickens did not make the trip due to the bad weather but the other performers who did show that night did the show as a tribute to Hank. The auditorium where the show took place is just a few miles from my house and is still in use today. While Hank was not an Opry member at the time of his death, he is still considered one of the greatest members in Opry history.
January 19, 1953: Marty Robbins made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Marty would become an Opry member shortly after and would become one of the Opry's most popular members.
January 22, 1953: The Ozark Jubilee made its television debut on the ABC network. The show was hosted by Red Foley, who left the Opry for this opportunity.
January 29, 1954: Theron Hale passed away. He was one of the early members of the Opry, becoming a regular on the show in 1926 and continuing on the Opry into the 1930s. Even after he left the Opry, he continued to perform on occasion with Sam McGee. While at the Opry, he was introduced as "Theron Hale and Daughters.", which were Elizabeth and Mamie Ruth. They broke up in the 1930s when Mamie Ruth left.
January 22, 1955: Porter Wagoner made his first appearance on the Opry. In February 1957, he joined as a member and would remain at the Opry for just over 50 years.
January 12, 1957: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper became members of the Grand Ole Opry. They came to Nashville from Wheeling, West Virginia, where they were regulars on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. For a period of time, their daughter Carol Lee was also part of the act. Stoney died in 1977 and after his death Wilma Lee continued as an Opry member. In 2001 she suffered a stroke while performing on the Opry, which ended her career. In 2007 she appeared on the Opry and was recognized for 50 years of Opry membership. Her last Opry appearance was in 2010 at the reopening of the Opry House after the Nashville flood.
January 1, 1960: Although there is some debate as to the exact date, it would appear that this is the date that Billy Walker became a member of the Opry. Billy would remain an Opry member, and a very loyal one, until his death in a car/van accident in 2006. Later in his career, Billy was one of the artists who spoke up about Opry management reducing the appearances of many of the senior Opry members.
January 9, 1960: Patsy Cline became a member of the Opry. While her time at the Opry was very short, her influence on female artists is still felt. In a pretty famous story, Patsy, who had been appearing as a guest artist at the Opry for a few years, approached Opry manager Ott Devine and asked if she might one day become an Opry member. Ott's response was, "Patsy, if that's all you want, you are on the Opry." Just like that, she was an Opry member.
January 9, 1965: Norma Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Much as Dolly Parton would do a few years later, Norma Jean joined the show as she was performing as part of Porter Wagoner's group. After leaving Porter's show in 1967, she left Nashville and the Opry. She is still active today and performs a few shows in Branson. "Pretty Miss Norma Jean," as Porter would introduce her is 77 this year and she has a new CD out.
January 7, 1967: Charley Pride became the first black solo singer to perform on the Opry. He was introduced by Ernest Tubb and sang, "The Snakes Crawl at Night" and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You." Shortly afterwards, he was asked to become a member of the Opry, but he declined due to his heavy touring schedule. He would be asked several more times until finally in 1993 he accepted the invitation to join the cast. He was the second black artist to join the Opry, following in the footsteps of Deford Bailey.
January 4, 1969: Dolly Parton became a member of the Opry. This will be her 46th year as an Opry member. Early on, and when she was part of Porter Wagoner's road show, she was on the Opry frequently. However, as she embarked on her solo career, her Opry appearances have reduced to practically nothing. She has even commented that if she was in charge of the show, she would fire herself as a member. It was Carl and Pearl Butler, themselves former Opry members, who were friends with Dolly and helped to bring her to Nashville at the age of 12. She remembered her first time singing on the Opry: "They used to have this Friday Night Frolics and I went up there one night with the intention of being on it. I kept telling everyone I'll sing just one song. Most of the Opry artists had two spots on the show and I walked up to Jimmy C Newman, who was going to sing his second song next and I told him I wanted to be on. I didn't know why he did it, but Jimmy gave me his spot and I sang a George Jones song." Just my opinion, but it would be nice, since Dolly actually lives pretty close to the Opry House, to stop over once in a while and sing a song or two.
January 11, 1969: George Jones rejoined the Opry. Over the course of his career, George would join the Opry and then leave several times. Not that it mattered as George was not around the Opry that much.
January 1, 1971: Tom T Hall accepted an invitation and became a member of the Opry. Not that it matters since Tom T hasn't done the Opry in decades, but this will be his 44th year as a member. Don't expect him anytime soon, as he has told people that he has no intention of coming back. He originally joined in 1971, but quit in March 1974 when the Opry moved to the new Opry House. He rejoined the show, at the urging of Ernest Tubb, in 1980. After he came back, he was a regular but by the 1990s, his interest in the show seem to have ended.
January 20, 1973: For the first and only time, Jerry Lee Lewis performed on the Opry. He had always wanted an invitation to appear, but the Opry was afraid of what Jerry would do on stage. The Opry made Jerry promise not do to rock and roll and not to swear. Jerry Lee broke both promises. He appeared on the 11:30 segment hosted that night by Charlie Walker and was on stage for 40 minutes. In a very nice move, he invited Del Wood to appear with him for a song, and he commented the on a previous visit to the Opry Del was the only Opry member who treated him with respect.
January 2, 1974: Opry member Tex Ritter passed away in Nashville after suffering a heart attack. Tex joined the Opry in 1965 and enjoyed being in Nashville and an Opry member. He was just the 5th person to have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. "Hillbilly Heaven" is one of his great hits.
January 28, 1976: Skeeter Willis, part of the Willis Brothers, passed away at the age of 58. The Willis Brothers came to the Opry in 1946 and were famous for the western style of music that they played.
January 27, 1979: Sissy Spacek, who played the part of Loretta Lynn in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" joined Loretta for an appearance on the Opry.
January 20, 1984: Mike Snider made his first appearance on the Opry. He was a member of the Hee Haw cast and famous for his comedy and banjo playing. He would eventually join the Opry as a member.
January 11, 1986: Mel McDaniel became a member of the Opry. He would remain an Opry member until passing away in 2011 after a long illness.
January 14, 1986: During the Opry's televised 60th anniversary special, Reba McEntire was introduced as the Opry's newest member. While this was the date that the special was on, it was actually filmed in the November 1985, which is when she officially became a member. She is in her 29th year as an Opry member. It will be interesting to see if next year the Opry will do anything for her 30th year as an Opry member, considering she is very rarely at the Opry. In an interesting note, Hank Snow refused to appear on the special because CBS wanted to limit him to just one verse of "I'm Moving On."
January 14, 1989: Hubert Gregory of the Fruit Jar Drinkers passed away. Hubert's career at the Opry, as with the Fruit Jar Drinkers, goes back to the earliest days of the Opry. Like many others of that era, he played with many different groups and combinations of folks, including Sam and Kirk McGee.
January 20, 1990: Hank Snow celebrated his 40th anniversary as a member of the Opry. The televised segment included a special appearance by the Glaser Brothers. It was their first Opry appearance since giving up their membership and it was also the last time that the Glaser Brothers peformed together on any stage.
January 10, 1991: Clint Black became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 24th year as an Opry member, which is about the number of appearances that Clint has made since joining the cast. It was nice to see Clint at the Opry in March as part of the Opry House 40th anniversary show. Clint continues to live in California and just doesn't get to Nashville much.
January 25, 1992: Emmylou Harris is introduced by Roy Acuff as the newest member of the Opry. This will be her 23rd year as an Opry member. It was nice to see Emmylou at the Opry a few weeks back, but knowing Emmylou's love for the history and tradition of country music, I thought when she joined the Opry she would support the show and make regular appearances. But as with others, I have been proven wrong and she seems good for just one or two Opry appearances each year, usually when the Opry is at the Ryman in the winter months.
January 22, 1994: Hal Ketchum joined the cast of the Opry. After being gone from the Opry for several years due to health related issues, Hal has returned to the Opry for a couple of appearances and has looked and sounded pretty good. This will be his 21st year as an Opry member.
January 21, 1995: Brother Oswald, longtime member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, became an offical member of the Opry at the age of 83. I believe that would make him the oldest person to have joined the Opry. Oswald came to the Opry with Roy Acuff in the 1930s and thanks to the efforts of Marty Stuart and Porter Wagoner, Oswald became a member of the cast. He helped to define the sound of Roy Acuff, and after Roy's death, Oswald would usually perform with Charlie Collins. Oswald passed away in 2002 and while he was not an Opry member the entire time, he was associated with the Opry for over 60 years.
January 7, 1997: Gaylord Entertainment, in a move that seemed good at the time, acquired Word Records and Music, a contemporary Christian music company. A few years later, as Gaylord began selling off many of their properties, Word Music was one of the first to go.
January 3, 1998: Grandpa Jones made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. After hosting his segment on the 2nd show that evening, Grandpa suffered the first of what would become a series of strokes. He was taken directly from the Opry House to a Nashville hospital. His condition would continue to decline and he passed away on February 19, 1998.
January 24, 1998: Opry member Justin Tubb passed away after a sudden illness. He was the son of Ernest Tubb and when he joined the Opry in 1955, he was the Opry's youngest member. Not only was Justin a fine singer, but he was an excellent songwriter.
January 9, 1999: Opry member Boxcar Willie makes his final appearance on the Opry. He had first appeared on the Opry in 1980 and became a member in February 1981.
January 15, 1999: The Grand Ole Opry returned to the Ryman Auditorium for the first time since moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974. There were three shows that weekend, which included the Friday Night Opry and two shows on Saturday night, all of which were sold-out. During the 1st show on Saturday, Ricky Skaggs invited Trisha Yearwood to become the newest member of the Opry. Of course she said yes and she was officially inducted in March. The weekend of shows were so successful and well received, that the Opry has made an annual winter return to the Ryman.
January 15, 2000: Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley joined the Grand Ole Opry. Patty Loveless handled the official induction. He had been asked the night before during the Friday Night Opry if he would like to become an Opry member and they went ahead and did the induction the next night. This will be his 15th year as an Opry member.
January 4, 2003: Hank Williams Jr and Hank Williams III performed together at the Opry in a show that marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams. Also appearing in the tribute were Jimmy Dickens, The Whites and Vince Gill.
January 1, 2007: After a long illness, Grand Ole Opry member Del Reeves passed away at the age of 73. He had been an Opry member for 41 years.
January 11, 2007: Opry member Stonewall Jackson filed an age discrimination lawsuit against Gaylord Entertainment and the management of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall made several claims and specifically named Pete Fisher. As the lawsuit played out, Stonewall avoided Opry appearances, even though he had been asked to do the show. Eventually the lawsuit was settled out of court with Stonewall claiming privately that the Opry made a settlement. Stonewall did see his Opry appearances increase in the short term, however today he rarely appears at the Opry.
January 19, 2008: Charlie Daniels became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 7th year as an Opry member. He said at the time of his induction that becoming an Opry member had been a dream for him and he was very happy to have been invited to join.
January 26, 2011: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin passed away after an extended illness. Charlie, along with his brother Ira, had joined the Opry in 1955. After Ira's death, Charlie continued as a solo artist at the Opry. Toward the end of his life, Charlie was very outspoken with the way he felt he was being treated and the reduction in his appearances.
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