An Open Letter to Steve Buchanan and Pete Fisher

Dear Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Fisher: 

As someone who has attended and listened to Grand Ole Opry shows for the past 40+ years, I have seen and heard some great moments at the Opry. Among those are the Grand Ole Opry's PBS shows, the 75th anniversary weekend, the Opry's return to the Ryman Auditorium, the 50th anniversary shows of various Opry members, new Opry member inductions, birthday weekends, and last year, the 40th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House. There have been so many that I cannot list them all. 

I have also seen lots of changes that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, some positive, and some not so. The improvements that have been made to the Grand Ole Opry House have been outstanding; items such as better lighting and sound, the expanded gift shop and ticket areas, and the atmosphere of the Opry Plaza. On the negative side, I have seen the number of weekend Opry shows cut back, the length shortened, the number of performers and amount of music per show reduced, veteran Opry members having reduced appearances and a steep rise in ticket prices. Yet even though it all, I have remained a fan of the Opry and hope for the Opry's continued success. 

However, when I see Grand Ole Opry line-ups, such as the one for this coming Saturday night, I get discouraged very quickly. I think both of you would have to admit that what you have scheduled for this Saturday night is not the best of Opry line-ups. To see only two segments and three Opry members scheduled is very troublesome, especially considering that the Opry has 63 members. And it is not just the lack of Opry members, but the quality of the line-up in general. Of the eight acts appearing who are not Opry members, two of the performers are actors who performed in a play, another is an actor who stars in a television series, while several of the others are still looking for their first recorded hit records. And this is not the first time we have seen shows such as this scheduled. It seems to be happening more and more. Last Saturday night resulted in a poor line-up and the line-up for the Opry's 89th Birthday Weekend, particularly on Saturday night, might have been the worst birthday show in the Opry's history. Many times I will ask myself if a certain Opry show is worth the premium ticket price of $75, and I think the answer many times is no. 

I know you can do better. The real disturbing thing is the lack of Opry members who seem to want to appear on the Opry. For example, Travis Tritt has not appeared on the Grand Ole Opry stage since 2007. Reba McEntire recently made her first Opry appearance in a decade, as did Garth Brooks. Dolly Parton hasn't appeared in several years, while Keith Urban has made just one Opry appearance in two years. I could name a few others such as Brad Paisley, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride and Blake Shelton, among others, who seem to appear only once or twice every year. What is really discouraging about these members is that in many of the interviews that they have done, they all say how proud they are of being an Opry member and what Opry membership means to them. Yet, they seldom appear. And while I understand the reluctance to dismiss an Opry member, it has been done in the recent past. The Four Guys and Holly Dunn lost their membership. Perhaps it is time that Travis Tritt lose his. 

While I am grateful for the members who did appear during the recent Grand Ole Opry 90th birthday weekend, I think many of us were expecting more. Based on what was being said and written, the expectation was that a large number of the Opry's members would be there for at least part of the weekend and that the 90th anniversary of the Opry would truly be something special. My thanks to Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Oak Ridge Boys, Diamond Rio, Joe Diffie, Lorrie Morgan and all of the others who were there. But where were the rest? Mr. Fisher has talked in the past that the goal is to have every new Opry member that is being asked to join the Opry to commit to ten shows per year. Obviously, many of forgotten. 

Then there is the reliance and constant booking of the actors from the television series "Nashville." Yes, I know that Opry Entertainment and Mr. Buchanan are producers of the show and I understand about cross promotion, but to devote an entire half hour of the two Saturday birthday shows to "Nashville" was just plain wrong. I realize that "Nashville" is bringing new and younger fans to the Opry and the Opry needs these new fans to survive in the future. But the show is not going to be on the air forever, and when it does end, I am sure that the majority of those actors who have been appearing on the Opry will no longer do so. And besides, I think many of these new fans coming to the Opry want to see the stars of the Opry, not actors portraying themselves as singers.

Over the past dozen years, the Opry seems to be relying more on guests than members. Many of these, such as Rhonda Vincent, Dailey & Vincent, T.G. Sheppard, Chris Janson, Jimmy Wayne, Gene Watson, Crystal Gayle and Love & Theft, just to name a few, appear on the Opry many more times then Opry members. So I ask the question, "Why not offer membership to some of these artists?" After all, it has been a year since a new member has joined the Opry. And speaking of Opry members, the number continues to go down as many of the veteran members have passed away or have retired due to health reasons. And no new members have been added to replace them. Currently there are 63 Opry members, but why not have 70 or 75? Especially if those added as members commit to showing up and performing on the show. 

It is not every Opry member that does not support the show. As fans, we should all be grateful that a number of the Opry's more popular members do support the show. Members such as Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Larry Gatlin, Diamond Rio and Lorrie Morgan, among many others. And where would the Opry be without the veteran members such as Bill Anderson, John Conlee, Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely. 

I do want to mention the additional Opry shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. While I enjoy the additional shows, they seem to have been added at the expense of the traditional weekend shows. Many of the bigger names and popular young artists seem to be showing up more during the week then on the weekend, thus taking away from the historic Saturday night Grand Ole Opry. 

In conclusion, let me offer a quote from the December 8, 1964 Nashville Tennessean, that I believe is still relevant today: 

"Most of the thousands of people who line up at the Opry House every Friday and Saturday night have traveled long distances to see in person the stars that they have come to love by radio. It must be a disappointment for these fans to arrive at the Opry on this one big night for them and find that their favorite stars have found a more profitable audience in some other state."

Much as those words were true in 1964, they are still true in 2015. Many of those attending the Opry on Saturday night will be there for their first time. Or perhaps due to work or financial concerns, they are only able to come to the Opry once a year and this will be that special night. They will pay $50-$75 for each seat, buy food and drink, perhaps a souvenir to take home, and probably the new 90th anniversary family album. But on this particular Saturday night, will they see any of the Opry's superstars that are pictured in that book? Sorry to say, but the answer will be no. And as they look through that book, I am sure many will be wondering where some of these members are. Surely not at the Opry, at least on this Saturday night. Then I am sure the thought will go through their heads, "Was it worth the price." Many will say no. 

Sincerely: 

Byron Fay

Grand Ole Opry 10/16 & 10/17

Well, I thought it could not get much worse then the line-up from last Saturday night, but Steve Buchanan and Pete Fisher and the rest of the Opry's management have topped it. On Saturday night, there are only 3 Opry members scheduled (which might be a record for the lowest number of Opry members on a Saturday night show) and the Opry will have just 2 segments!! Once again, I ask the question, "Out of 63 Opry members, can anyone explain how only 3 would commit to do the Opry on a Saturday night?" To me, it is just unbelievable. 

If that isn't enough, let's look at a few of the guests that are appearing on Saturday night:

Rose Hemingway is described as an American actress, performer and singer, known for performing in musical theater productions. She has appeared in numerous plays around the country. Her Facebook page has not been updated since August, so I can't tell you much from that. Now, what I can tell you is that she, along with Kim Clark, who is also scheduled on Saturday night, appeared in the Dallas Theater production of "Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical." So why are they scheduled to be on the Opry? Easy answer to that one: The production was produced by Opry Entertainment, with Steve Buchanan and Sally Williams listed as producers. Nothing like a little cross promotion. 

Josh Wilson is a contemporary Christian artist who is out promoting, "That Was Then, This Is Now." He has had some limited success on the charts. Also appearing will be Jackie Lee, Gary Mule Deer, from "Nashville" Jonathan Jackson, and The Grascals, who have been guests on the Opry on a frequent basis. I am actually fine with The Grascals. 

As far as Opry members on Saturday night, the two hosts are Jeannie Seely and Connie Smith, with Jesse McReynolds as the other Opry member. On an additional note, even though there are just 2 segments, I think this is the first time each segment host has been a female. 

I don't mean to sound so negative about Saturday's line-up, but there are folks paying $75 a ticket and are expecting to see Opry members performing on the show. Especially some of the Opry's newer members and bigger names. I just don't think the overall quality of the performers justifies a $75 price. 

As far as Friday night, certainly a better show. Opry members include Jeannie Seely, The Whites, Connie Smith, Riders In The Sky (your 4 hosts) and Bobby Osborne. It is nice to see Lee Greenwood back at the Opry, and a return appearance by Flatt Lonesome. 

Friday October 16
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jenn Bostic
7:30: The Whites (host); Canaan Smith; Flatt Lonesome
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Nathan Chapman
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Lee Greenwood

Saturday October 17
7:00
Jeannie Seely (host)
Jackie Lee
The Grascals
Kim Clark 
Rose Hemingway

8:15
Connie Smith (host)
Jesse McReynolds
Johnathan Jackson
Opry Square Dancers
Gary Mule Deer
Josh Wilson

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of October 15 & 16, 2010:

Friday October 15
7:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; John Anderson
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds; Joey+Rory
8:45: Mike Snider (host); The Judds

Saturday October 16
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Holly Williams
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; The Whites; James Wesley
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy Wayne; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Eamonn McCrystal; Randy Travis

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Holly Williams
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Stonewall Jackson; James Wesley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy Wayne

Now from ten years ago this weekend, October 14 & 15, 2005. This was also the Grand Ole Opry's 80th birthday weekend: 

Friday October 14
1st show
6:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Robbie Fulks
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; Carolyn Dawn Johnson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Walker; John Michael Montgomery
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); George Hamilton IV; Connie Smith; Lee Greenwood
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Alison Krauss

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Carolyn Dawn Johnson
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; Jack Greene; Alison Krauss
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Osborne Brothers; John Michael Montgomery
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Lee Greenwood
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Robbie Fulks

Saturday October 15
1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed
Connie Smith: Once A Day/Fight On
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band/Jambalaya
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You/Mountain Dew

7:00: Tootsie's/Standard Candy
Travis Tritt: What's the Use
Steve Wariner: Baby, I'm Yours/Two Teardrops
Diamond Rio: What A Beautiful Mess I'm In/In God We Trust
Travis Tritt: 10 Feet Tall; Bullet Proof/Where Corn Don't Grow
Jimmy Dickens & Garth Brooks: My The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Bill Anderson & Garth Brooks: Bright Lights & Country Music
Porter Wagoner & Garth Brooks: Green, Green Grass of Home
Jimmy Dickens/Bill Anderson/Porter Wagoner/Garth Brooks: Y'All Come
Garth Brooks & Steve Wariner: Long Neck Bottle
Steve Wariner: Some Fools Never Learn
Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Jeannie Seely: Sentimental Journey
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Porter Wagoner & Pam Gadd: Golden Ring

8:30: Tennessee Pride
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Josh Turner: Long Black Train/(?)
Ralph Stanley: I'm A Man of Constant Sorrow/O Death
Bill Anderson: I Wonder If God Likes Country Music

2nd show
9:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host); Family Reunion
Connie Smith: If I Talk to Him/You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me
Steve Wariner: Two Teardrops/Baby, I'm Yours

10:00
Porter Wagoner: Eli Stubbs & The Funky Grass Band
Billy Grammer: Plickin, Pluckin, Pluggin Along
Little Big Town: Bring It On Home
Travis Tritt: What's The Use/Where Corn Don't Grow

10:30: Johnny Walker Tours
Diamond Rio (host): That's How Your Love Makes Me Feel Inside
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre
Ralph Stanley: Nine Pound Hammer
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Here & There
Diamond Rio: In God We Trust

11:00: Opry Visa
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Garth Brooks & Steve Wariner: Long Neck Bottle
Garth Brooks: The Dance
Jimmy Dickens & Garth Brooks: May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Bill Anderson & Garth Brooks: Bright Lights & Country Music
Porter Wagoner & Garth Brooks: Green, Green Grass of Home
Jimmy Dickens/Bill Anderson/Porter Wagoner/Garth Brooks: Y'All Come
Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry

11:30: Gaylord
Jeannie Seely (host): Anytime
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Josh Turner: Your Man/Long Black Train
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

Isn't it amazing what the birthday weekend was like just 10 years ago? What a difference between the 80th and 90th. 

Finally, as the look continues back at past Grand Ole Opry birthday shows, how about Saturday October 17, 1970. That was the Opry's 45th birthday celebration and considering it was 45 years ago, here is that line-up: 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You/Wild Weekend
Charlie Walker: God Save the Queen (of the Honky Tonks)
Wilma Lee Cooper: Teardrops Falling in the Snow
Skeeter Davis: Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Jimmy C Newman: I'm Holding Your Memories
Willis Brothers: There Goes the Farm
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me on Sundays/What Are These Things
George Morgan: I Wouldn't Have You Any Other Way
Del Wood: Music, Music, Music
Bill Monroe: Rawhide

6:45: Rudy's
Tex Ritter (host): Wayward Wind
Jack Greene: The Whole World Comes to Me
Jeannie Seely: Please Be My Love
4 Guys: Get Together/Let the Sunshine In

7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Glaser Brothers: California Girl and the Tennessee Square
Billy Walker: She Goes Walking Through My Mind
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Jim & Jesse: Diesel on My Tail
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: Mule Skinner Blues
Mel Tillis: Too Lonely Too Long
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Jean Shepard: Another Lonely Night
Justin Tubb: Ballad of Forty Dollars
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man
Wagonmasters: John Henry

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Osborne Brothers: My Old Kentucky Home
Billy Grammer: Jesus Is a Soul Man
Ernie Ashworth: Lips, Start Talking
Lester Flatt: Nine Pound Hammer
Roland White: Turkey in the Straw

8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
Bobby Lord: Wake Me Up Early in the Morning
Earl Scruggs Revue: Green Back Dollar
Stu Phillips: For the Good Times
Wilburn Brothers: Sing Your Heart Out Country Boy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn: We're Not Kids Anymore

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: Mule Skinner Blues
Jimmy C Newman: I'm Holding Your Memories
Jean Shepard: Another Lonely Night
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Justin Tubb: Looking Out My Back Door
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man

10:00: Fender
Bill Anderson (host): I Love Your Drops
George Morgan: I Wouldn't Have You Any Other Way
Wilma Lee Cooper: Tramp on the Street
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Believe You're Met My Baby/Don't Laugh/My Baby's Gone/When I Stop Dreaming
Skeeter Davis: Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Charlie Walker: God Save the Queen (of the Honky Tonks)
Bill Anderson: Where Have All our Heroes Gone

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Little Maggie
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal/Big City
Jim & Jesse: I've Got A Freight Train In My Mind
Lester Flatt: I've Been Walking

10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Wilburn Brothers: Sing Your Heart Out, Country Boy
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Monroe (host): Train 45/Little Maggie/I'm Breaking In A Brand New Pair of Shoes/Nine Pound Hammer/Molly & Tenbrooks/My Little Georgia Rose
Dottie West: Willy's Winter Love
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Mel Tillis: Heart Over Mind/Old Faithful
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Bill Monroe: I Hear A Sweet Voice Calling

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Singing the Blues
Del Reeves: Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On/The Matador & I Walk the Line/Hound Dog
4 Guys:Get Together/Let The Sunshine In
Bobby Lord: You & Me Against the World
Stu Phillips: For the Good Times
Ernie Ashworth: Lips, Start Talking
Marty Robbins: Begging to You/Don't Worry/I Walk Alone

As you can see, it was quite a night at the Opry. The first show started at 6:00, 
a half hour early to fit all the acts in, and the second show ended at 1:05 a.m. 

The only Opry members who did not make it that night were Archie Campbell, Bill Carlisle, George Hamilton IV, Grandpa Jones, Cousin Jody, Lonzo & Oscar, Ray Pillow, Hank Snow, Bobby Bare, Stringbean and Marion Worth. Additionally, Roy Drusky and Stonewall Jackson both failed to appear, Stoney Cooper was ill and did not perform with Wilma Lee, Hank Locklin, The Glaser Brothers and Billy Walker were scheduled for both shows but only appeared on the first, and Earl Scruggs also only appeared on the first show as he was not scheduled for the second, while Marty Robbins was only set for the final segment of the night. 

Finally, you will notice Mel Tillis on both shows. This was the period of time that it would appear that Mel was actually an Opry member, although the Opry does not recognize that fact in its history. 

I will leave everyone with one more Opry line-up. October 17, 1992 was the Grand Ole Opry's 67th birthday celebration. It was also the final Saturday night that Roy Acuff appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. Roy would make one more Opry appearance the next Friday night, which would be his final appearance on the Opry stage. From 23 years ago, here is the running order from Saturday October 17, 1992. (And yes, I was there that night).

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Monroe (host): Mule Skinner Blues
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
Bill Monroe: Ozark Rag

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Cindy
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Roy Drusky: Peel Me A Nanner
Grandpa Jones: Gone Home

7:00: Shoney's
George Hamilton IV (host): Abilene
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down to the River/I Saw the Light/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Shelly West: Standing in Sorrow's Way/You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma
John Conlee: Hit the Ground Running/Miss Emily's Picture
Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Porter Wagoner: Y'All Come

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Then & Only Then/Sing, Sing, Sing
Bill Anderson & Roy Acuff: I Wonder If God Likes Country Music
Bill Anderson: Still
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Dan Kelly: Turkey Buzzard

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Ancient History
4 Guys: Big River
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
The Whites: San Antonio Rose
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Wilma Lee Cooper: Singing Waterfall
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Mike Snider: Green Sleeves
Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): Life's Highway
Roy Drusky: All For the Love of A Girl
Jimmy Campbell: The Old Tennessee River

10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy/Send Me the Pillow You Dream On

10:30: Pet Milk
Grandpa Jones (host): Don't 'Cha Cry Melinda
Jean Shepard: Someone's Gotta Cry
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

10:45: BC Powder
George Hamilton IV (host): Life's Railway to Heaven
Shelly West: Jose Quervo
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Black Mountain Rag
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
4 Guys: How Married Are You Mary Ann
Connie Smith: Once A Day
John Conlee: Before My Time/Rose Colored Glasses
Hank Snow: On That Hawaiian Shore With You

11:30: Creamette
Jim Ed Brown (host): Morning
Jan Howard: Together When We Tried
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Johnny Russell: Why Me Lord
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

Much has been written about that final Saturday night for Roy Acuff, specifically in Bill Anderson's book. He describes the evening much better than I ever could. The emotion was strong as you could anticipate that you were witnessing history. As I wrote, for those of us who were there that night, the memory will always be with us. 

Boy, you look at these older line-ups and remember what the Opry once was and sometimes you just have to wonder. Where has it all gone? 

The best you can, enjoy the Opry this weekend!!

Mid-Week Opry Shows 10/13 & 10/15

Before posting the line-ups for the mid-week Opry shows, I wanted to pass along some news regarding someone we all know. 

I received word late last week that Kayton Roberts suffered a slight stroke. He is home resting and is getting better each day. I am sure all of us offer our thoughts and prayers to this great steel guitar player. Hard to believe that he will be 82 next month. Kayton, or course, was a long time member of Hank Snow's Rainbow Ranch Boys and is in the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. He also has a great website, kaytonroberts.com that I suggest everyone check out. 

Here are the posted line-ups for the two mid-week Opry shows this week: 

Tuesday Night Opry October 13:

7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Riders In The Sky; Easton Corbin
Intermission
8:15: Chase Bryant; Kelsea Ballerini
8:45: Rascal Flatts

It is nice to see Rhonda Vincent back on the Opry schedule. This will be only her 2nd Opry appearance this year, which is down from previous years. She has been pretty busy and doing a lot of shows. And for Rascal Flatts, this will be their 6th Opry show of 2015 and they have more scheduled. It looks like they will come close to hitting the magic number of 10, so it is nice to see another of the Opry's newer members finding the time to appear on the show. 

Opry Country Classics Thursday October 15:

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Dailey & Vincent
Also appearing: The Gatlin Brothers; Mo Pitney; Jeannie Seely; Holly Williams

A Review of the Grand Ole Opry Family Album-90th Anniversary

Earlier this year, the Grand Ole Opry published and put on sale their new "Grand Ole Opry Family Album-90th Anniversary" which is the new name of what was formally called "Grand Ole Opry History Picture Book." I had heard a lot of positive remarks about this new book and this past week when I was in Nashville for the Opry's 90th birthday bash, I picked up my copy. 

The first thing I noticed with this book was the price. There is a hardback version that includes a few extra items such as a bumper sticker and some peel off stickers that sells for right around $30, and a paperback version that sold for just under $20. I went with the paperback one. The book appears thicker then the old book, but in reality it is about 200 pages, the same size as the previous ones. The difference is that the cover is made out of a heavier paper and is double sided, with every current Opry member pictured either on the front or back cover. The book is definitely heavier then the old books. 

The book itself is well worth the price. There are lots and lots of photos, including many from the Opry's early days. I would have to check for sure, but it would appear that somewhere in the book, almost every Opry member in the history of the Opry is pictured. The first section of the book is a decade by decade history of the Opry, broken down into 5 year increments, with a little write-up of what happened during those years. In the 1925-1934 section, the members are listed in alphabetical order, while from 1935 to the present, they are listed in the order that they joined. And it looks like it is a very accurate list, including those who were around for just a short period of time, such as Slim Whitman. In addition, actual induction dates are listed for some of those older members. 

The main portion of the book has 2 pages for each Opry member, in the same format as the History Picture Book. Jim Ed Brown is included, as he was still living earlier in the year when the book was printed, with Little Big Town listed as the most recent member. The left side of each members page lists the same information as the old book which includes date of Opry induction, birthplace and date born. There is a fairly short biography and a short quote from each member. For example, Reba's quote is " The Grand Ole Opry is home. It's like a family reunion when you come back and get to see everyone." Instead of just a full size photo on the right hand side of the page, the page instead has between four and six photos of the member throughout their career, including a recent publicity shot and for many, a picture from the night they became a member. 

There are a couple of changes in the book from the most recent History Picture Book. For example, the Osborne Brothers are both listed as members instead of just Bobby Osborne as in the previous edition. I guess the Opry realized that if Barbara Mandrell, Ricky Van Shelton and Jeanne Pruett are still considered Opry members even though they are retired, then Sonny Osborne is still considered an Opry member. And what is a new edition of the book without at least one Opry member's induction date changing? Connie Smith is the one change in this book, as her Opry induction date is now listed as August 21, 1965. The previous books had listed either June or September, depending on the edition. 

All in all, this book is well worth the price and every Opry fan should have this most recent book included in their collection. 

Grand Ole Opry 10/9 & 10/10

How about a Friday Night Opry with only 5 Opry members? Better yet, how about a Grand Ole Opry with just 4 members? Or even better yet, how about an entire half hour Opry segment with just Exile?

That is what we have this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry. While I can live with the Friday Night Opry, which will feature Opry members Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, John Conlee, Mike Snider and Jesse McReynolds, I cannot accept Saturday's Grand Ole Opry with just Mike Snider, The Whites, John Conlee and Bobby Osborne as Opry members performing. And I can't accept an entire half hour of Exile. 

Is this what the Opry has come to? Ok, I have come to accept that on some shows, an entire segment will be devoted to a single act. Acts such as Rascal Flatts, Reba, Little Big Town; or even Brad, Darius or Blake. But not Exile.

Now, this is nothing against Exile in particular. They have actually had a very nice career. The band started in the early 70's as a back-up rock band. Then they began to have some chart success and a few hits. By the late 70's and through the 80's, they migrated into a country act. By the early 1990's, their chart success was basically over. "Kiss You All Over," which went to #1 in 1978, was their first big success. And in the course of their career, they had 10 more #1 records. "Even Now," which in 1991 went to #16, was their last chart success. So, you can say that they have not been very relevant for the last 25 years. 

What bothers me more than anything else is wondering if this is the best the Opry can do on a Saturday night? Besides those Opry members I have listed, the guest artists include Jackie Lee, William Michael Morgan and Craig Wayne Boyd. Add semi-Opry regulars Mark Wills and Elizabeth Cook, who I do enjoy, you have Saturday's entire show. Wow!! You have to wonder where the other 61 Opry members are. 

Now on Friday Night, besides Marty and Connie and the rest of the Opry bunch, Clay Walker, one of the bigger country acts of 1990's will be performing. Add Amber Digby, who is the real country deal, and a return of Flatt Lonesome, and you have the makings of a very nice night. 

Friday October 9
7:00: John Conlee (host); Amber Digby; James Otto
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy Wayne; Darryl Worley
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Clay Walker
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Sarah Potenza; Flatt Lonesome

Saturday October 10
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jackie Lee; Elizabeth Cook
7:30: The Whites (host); William Michael Morgan; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Craig Wayne Boyd; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Exile

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, October 8 & 9, 2010. This was also the weekend of the Opry's 85th birthday celebration. 

Friday October 8
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Craig Campbell
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Crystal Gayle
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy Wayne
8:45: Roy Clark (host); Stu Phillips; Joe Diffie

Saturday October 9
1st show
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Sunny Sweeney; Jack Greene; Trace Adkins
8:00: Roy Clark (host); Taylor Swift; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Dolly Parton

2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Ray Pillow; Del McCoury Band
10:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jan Howard; T. Bubba Bechtol; Trace Adkins
10:30: Roy Clark (host); Taylor Swift; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Dolly Parton

Now from ten years ago this weekend, October 7 & 8, 2005:

Friday October 7
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman; Dale Watson
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Walker; Jeannie Seely; Trent Willmon
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; Matt Jenkins
9:00: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jack Ingram
9:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; T. Graham Brown

Saturday October 8
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Catherine Britt
7:00: John Conlee (host); Darryl Worley; Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Jamey Johnson; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Jean Shepard; Osborne Brothers; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C Newman; Hanna-McEuen

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Jamey Johnson
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Hank Locklin; Catherine Britt; Del McCoury Band
10:30: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jean Shepard; Darryl Worley
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker; Hanna-McEuen

Looking back at some of the older Grand Ole Opry line-ups, it was on Saturday October 10, 1987 that the Grand Ole Opry celebrated it's 62nd anniversary. As with most of the birthday shows of that era, it was a loaded line-up featuring many of the Opry's members. Here is the running order from that night, 28 years ago Saturday. 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime At At Time/Looking at the World Through a Windshield
4 Guys: Once More
Del Reeves: I Wished That I Had Loved Her That Way

6:45: Rudy's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Cajun's Dream
Lorrie Morgan: There's No Love In Tennessee
Jimmy C Newman: Pistol Packin' Mama

7:00: Shoney's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Fools
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Charlie Louvin & Jennifer O'Brien: Everytime You Leave
George Hamilton IV: Someday My Ship Will Sail
Jan Howard: Somebody's Always Saying Goodbye
Jim Ed Brown: I Don't Want to Have to Marry You

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stonewall Jackson: Closer to the Vine
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Glen Campbell: The Hand That Rocks the Cradle/I Remember You
Roy Acuff & Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Roy Acuff & Glen Campbell: I Saw the Light

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): My Rose of Old Kentucky/Blue Moon of Kentucky
Connie Smith: The Key's in the Mailbox
Riders In The Sky: Faded Love
The Whites: If It Ain't Love
Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Lafayette
Bill Monroe: Lord, Let the Gates Swing Wide for Me

8:30: Music Valley Merchants
Hank Snow (host): Between Fire and Water
Skeeter Davis: My Last Date with You/Silver Threads & Golden Needles/The End of the World
Roy Drusky: The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Bill Carlisle: Worried Man Blues
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got to See You Again

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
Jeannie Seely: That May Be All I Need to Know
Del Reeves: The Chair That Rocked Us All
The Whites: Swing Down Sweet Chariot
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Bill Monroe: The Home Above

10:00: Little Debbie
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
4 Guys: Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Roy Acuff & Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

10:30: Pet Milk
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

10:45: Heil Quaker
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Charlie Walker: Deep Water
Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Jack Greene; There Goes My Everyting

11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Why Do You Punish Me
Connie Smith: Once A Day
Charlie Louvin: True Love
Jan Howard: Release Me
Justin Tubb: Thanks, Troubadour, Thanks
Hank Snow: I Care No More

11:30: BC Powder
Roy Drusky (host): Too Old to Die Young
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Riders In The Sky: Back on Those Texas Plains
Roy Drusky & Riders In The Sky: Cool Water
Roy Drusky: Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Even as loaded as this Opry birthday show was, there were still a few big names missing. People such as Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner, Grandpa Jones, Johnny Russell among others. And it was nice to see Glen Campbell make one of his rare Opry appearances during the birthday celebration. 

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

Tuesday Night Opry 10/6

The Tuesday Night Opry has scheduled two shows for tonight with special guest artist Miranda Lambert scheduled. Tonight also marks 25 years since Alan Jackson made his first guest appearance on the Opry, and he will be featured on both shows. 

1st show
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Kristian Bush
7:30: Del McCoury Band; Connie Smith
8:00: Alan Jackson
8:30: Marty Stuart; Miranda Lambert

2nd show
9:30: Alan Jackson
10:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Miranda Lambert
10:30: Kristian Bush; Del McCoury Band
11:00: Connie Smith; Marty Stuart

I don't think there are very many complaints about the quality of the line-up tonight. 

Also, today marks 25 years since Garth Brooks became a member of the Grand Ole Opry as he was inducted into the cast by Johnny Russell. Garth has always said that being a member of the Opry has been the highlight of his career. I really thought Garth would have been willing to come to the Opry to be honored for 25 years of Opry membership as the Opry does a very nice job with these milestone dates. However, as of this moment, nothing has been scheduled. 

Opry 90th Birthday Weekend Recap

I have been reading the various comments that have been left regarding the Opry's 90th birthday weekend and instead of responding to each one, I thought I would just start a new post and not only respond to the various comments, but also offer my thoughts on the weekend.

To respond to a couple of items:

On the original schedule, Montgomery Gentry was scheduled to appear on Friday night. Obviously with the tragic situation that took place, they cancelled out. I don't think that the cancellation had much of an effect on the Friday show as most of the artists that appeared as previously been scheduled.

Regarding the Friday Night Opry, which I thought was the stronger of the two nights. Little Big Town and Old Crow Medicine Show were the obvious highlights. Both did 3 songs, with Old Crow doing "Wagon Wheel" on both shows and Little Big Town doing "Girl Crush" on both shows. The audience really responded to both acts. All of the acts did a great job. Lorrie Morgan did "Candy Kisses" on the second show, in a dedication to her father, Hall of Fame member George Morgan. Jan Howard was well received and I have to admit that I did not catch Marty Roe calling her "Jan Brown." It must have come out clearer on the radio then in the Opry House. Bobby Osborne did "Rocky Top" on both shows, while Jeannie Seely did "Don't Touch Me." Riders In The Sky was missing Ranger Doug, who was off with Vince Gill and The Time Jumpers in California. He was back for Saturday night. No complaints about Joe Diffie, or for the only non-Opry member on the schedule, JT Hodges. And I did want to mention that Little Big Town started to sing "Elvira" on the first show, and were joined in a surprise appearance by the Oak Ridge Boys.

Finally, a few words about Larry Gatlin, along with Steve and Rudy. They did the Opry Country Classics show on Thursday night, along with all 4 Opry shows over the weekend. You can say what you want about Larry, but he really adds a lot to the show. When doing "Houston" as the opening number, he goes out into the audience and dances with the ladies, including several grandmothers, takes popcorn from unsuspecting fans, walks up the isle and shakes hands, and will kid those who come in late. All at the same time while singing. I don't know what kind of deal the Opry management made with Larry over the past couple of years, but he has really stepped it up at the Opry, and in some ways, he is becoming the current face of the show. And not only is he doing these Opry appearances but he is also doing a Christmas show at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Like I said, I don't know what kind of deal the Opry made with Larry, but I am glad that they did. He, along with his brothers, will probably end up in the top 5 as far as Opry appearances for the year. All this from a person who was missing from the Opry for a few decades. And on Christmas Day, they will be celebrating 39 years as Opry members.

Now let's talk about Saturday as there has been much discussion about the "Nashville" booking. From what I can tell, this was a planned booking for the birthday weekend and did not replace anyone. A vast majority of the Opry's members were booked out on the road Saturday night, leaving a big hole in the schedule and as a reminder, Ryman Hospitalities, the owners of the Opry and WSM, financially support the "Nashville" show, and Steve Buchanan is one of the producers. For whatever some of us think about "Nashville," the cross promotion of the show with the Opry is drawing new fans to the Opry. As far as the segment, although the Opry program listed no host, Charles Esten filled that role. While some have mentioned the fact of a non-Opry member hosting a segment (and I agree that only Opry members should host), non-members have hosted segments before, including back in the Prince Albert days. And we also know that during the CMT and GAC television runs, there were many times when there was not a segment host.

As far as the actors who were on that segment, at least they didn't ask Charles Esten to become an Opry member, which would not have surprised me. For those who have not seen him, or were not there, he was actually an excellent host and does have a very nice voice. Not so sure about the song selection however. He had a good country band with him. As far as the others, I was not really impressed. I suppose that if more Opry members were available, then this segment would not have taken place. How was it received by those in the audience? I can honestly say that those who are fans of the show liked it, while those who were not were very vocal in their comments.

Also appearing on Saturday night was Carrie Underwood. She looked dazzling and sounded great. For those who did not listen, she sang the Dolly Parton hit, "9-5" on both shows and she had the words to the song on a teleprompter along the back wall. Based on her actions during the song, she really didn't make much eye contact with the teleprompter so I am thinking it was just there as a safety net. I was told that she was practicing the song back stage before she came on. Trace Adkins did a very nice job on both shows, and said he told management that he wanted to host the 100th celebration. And the Oak Ridge Boys were impressive. And that included the Saturday afternoon birthday concert where they did a fulls stage show.

Overall, I would say that while the number of artists per show was down, the quality was good, much better than last year, which was probably the historical low point regarding Opry birthday weekends. And except for a brief appearance by Robin Roberts to introduce Carrie Underwood during the first show, there were no other special guests.

On a few other topics:

The Opry has made a few changes and has redesigned their logo for the 90th year. They also changed the style of lettering on the backdrop, making it a little larger and have made a few small changes to the backdrop itself. The Opry has also added some additional signage to the outside area of the Opry Plaza.

The Opry Plaza birthday party, with the free entertainment, was really affected by the cold and wet weather. The temperatures were in the low 50's and there was a steady rain Friday and Saturday. They moved some of the activities from the outdoor stage to under the overhang and I was actually impressed with the size of the crowd considering the weather. And if you have not seen Fiddlin' Carson Peters, you need to. The young man has talent and is pretty funny.

All 4 Opry shows were sold-out. The Oak Ridge Boys birthday concert probably drew around 2,000, while Opry Country Classics was about 2/3 filled. I didn't mention the classics show, which featured Crystal Gayle, Chuck Mead, Mandy Barnett and Ronnie Robbins, along with hosts Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers. It was my first time to see Ronnie and he does sound a lot like Marty. He did "El Paso" and "Don't Worry." On "El Paso." the Gatlin Brothers sang back up.

The video that was shown in the Opry House was mentioned. And yes, it was just the younger members including Little Big Town and Blake Shelton and several of the guest artists including Charles Esten.

The Opry has started giving out a new "award" to its members commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Opry. They have a new wall in back that has slots that list each current Opry member and they are giving replicas to the members to have. Over the weekend. Little Big Town, Oak Ridge Boys, Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin and Jeannie Seely were presented theirs on stage. Last Tuesday night, Dierks Bentley received his. I have a feeling that a few others were presented backstage to other Opry members. The goal is for each member to receive one.

One question that did come up was regarding new members, and no, I have heard no rumors. The Opry has lost 4 members since Little Big Town was added and right now, I have no idea what Pete Fisher is thinking. I really don't think the Opry will let the 90th year go by without adding someone, but who knows in today's world.

The other question had to do with Jean Shepard. I heard that she was at the ROPE Awards on Thursday night. In November, she will be celebrating 60 years as an Opry member, which would put her at either 2 or 3 on the list of Opry members (I would have to look it up to be sure but Herman Crook might be it as far as ahead of her), and I have been told that she will be making every effort to be at the Opry on the night of her 60th.

Finally, on a personal note, my thanks to those who came up to introduce themselves to me. It was nice seeing new faces from those who read and comment on the blog, and it was equally nice to see those who I have seen in past years. In many ways, that is the highlight of the weekend. It is nice to know that I am not alone out in the wilderness and many feel the same way I do about the Opry. I know many of us say each year that this birthday weekend will be the last for us, but I just have a feeling that I will see most of you again next year. And hopefully a few more after that. Let's all make it our goal to make it to the 100th. If Trace Adkins says he will be there, then the rest of us should try to make it too.

Let the comments begin and if I happen to think of anything else of interest, I will surely add it. As for me, it was a long weekend of shows and travel, so with that, I will sign off for now.

Again, my thanks to all.