Grand Ole Opry 3/17 & 3/18

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. While there are no "superstars" scheduled for this weekend, there are still a couple of pretty nice shows scheduled.

The Friday Night Opry will feature the annual St. Patrick's Day appearance by the Nashville Irish Step Dancers. The group is an annual attraction at the Opry. Grand Ole Opry members appearing on Friday night include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky, The Whites, Bobby Osborne and Ricky Skaggs. Jeannie, Mike, Riders and The Whites will also be on Saturday night, joined by members Connie Smith and Jesse McReynolds.

Among the guests scheduled for this weekend are two individuals who will be making their Opry debuts, Michael Tyler on Friday night and Natalie Hemby on Saturday.

Michael Tyler is a singer/songwriter from Thayer, Missouri. He was signed as a songwriter to peermusic in 2012 and has co-written Dierks Bentley's single "Somewhere on a Beach." That song was recently named iHeart "Country Song of the Year." He currently records for Reviver Records and his debut album "317" will be released on March 17. His current single is "They Can't See."

Natalie Hemby is also a singer/songwriter who has written songs for Lee Ann Womack, Eli Young Band, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Sunny Sweeney and Little Big Town. Her songwriting has resulted in five #1 Billboard singles. Currently she is a writer at Creative Nation Music Publishing. She will be appearing at the Opry in support of her first studio album, "Puxico," which was released this past January.

Guests appearing with Michael Tyler on the Friday Night Opry include Carly Pearce, Mickey Gilley, The Swon Brothers, John Berry and Brandy Clark.

While it is hard to believe, Mickey Gilley turned 81 years old this past week. Mickey has had a great career in country music, having released just over 40 singles, with 20 of those going to #1 on the charts. Having undergone a serious personal health crisis 2009, it is nice that Mickey is back performing and sounding better than ever.

I also wanted to mention Brandy Clark, who is one of the bright, young talents in the business. Brandy is noted for her songwriting and she has had songs recorded by Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Billy Currington, Darius Rucker and Kacey Musgraves. In 2015, Brandy was nominated for a Grammy Award as Best New Artist. In addition to her songwriting, she has several albums to her credit.

Besides Natalie Hemby, Saturday's show will feature guest artists Ryan Kinder, Holly Williams, T Graham Brown, who will also be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, and Mark O'Connor with the O'Connor Band.

Friday March 17
7:00: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; Jeannie Seely (host); Carly Pearce; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Michael Tyler; Mickey Gilley
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Swon Brothers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); John Berry; Brandy Clark

Saturday March 18
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Ryan Kinder; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Holly Williams; T Graham Brown
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Natalie Hemby; O'Connor Band w/Mark O'Connor

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of March 16 & 17, 2012:

Friday March 16
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jim Ed Brown; Casey James
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Sarah Darling
Intermission
8:15: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; Mark Wills
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Will Hoge; Connie Smith

Saturday March 17
1st show
7:00: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Andy Gibson; Jim Ed Brown
8:00: Larry Gatlin (host); Jimmy C Newman; Kellie Pickler; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; The Whites; The Black Lillies

2nd show
9:30: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); Kellie Pickler
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; Jimmy C Newman; Andy Gibson
10:30: Larry Gatlin (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Black Lillies; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; The Whites

And from ten years ago, the weekend of March 16 & 17, 2007:

Friday March 16
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Jim Ed Brown; Catherine Britt
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Charlie Walker; Jack Greene; Carolina Rain
9:00: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jean Shepard; Joe Nichols
9:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites; Eddy Raven

Saturday March 17
1st show
6:30: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; The Whites
7:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Gretchen Wilson; Trent Tomlinson; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; Chris Young

2nd show
9:30: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Mike Snider; Loretta Lynn
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Lorrie Morgan
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow; Gretchen Wilson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chris Young; Trent Tomlinson

Finally, going way back, 61 years ago to Saturday March 17, 1956:

7:30: Federal Fertilizer Co.
Jordanaires: Theme
Jim Reeves (host): Yonder Comes a Sucker
Autry Inman: Make Love and Play House
Jordanaires: Blow Whistle Blow
Jim Reeves: I'm Hurting Inside
Fiddle Tune: Ragtime Annie

7:45: American Ace
Faron Young (host): If You Ain't Loving
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Bennie Martin: You're Guilty Darling
Faron Young: God Bless God
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs: Theme
Ernest Tubb (host): So Doggone Lonesome
Flatt and Scruggs: Don't Forget Me Little Darling
Carlisles: Lil Liza Jane
June Carter: Hands Off
Ernest Tubb: Answer The Phone
Possum Hunters: Bill Cheatham
George Morgan: Ever So Often
Flatt and Scruggs: It's Bubbling In My Soul
Ernest Tubb: Daisy May
Tommy Jackson: Soldier's Joy

8:30: Prince Albert
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Martha Carson: Lord I Can't Come Now
Chubby and Tommy: Leather Britches
Hank Snow: I Just Telephoned Upstairs
Moon Mullican: You Don't Have To Be a Baby To Cry
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Martha Carson: I've Got So Many Million Years
Chet Atkins: Black Mountain Rag
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
Chubby and Tommy: Sally Goodin

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Lonzo and Oscar: Theme
Ferlin Huskey (host): I Feel Better All Over
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire In The Mountain
Lonzo and Oscar: Tutti Frutti Charlie
Marty Robbins: Maybelline
Bill Monroe: Happy On My Way
Louvin Brothers: Love Thy Neighbor
Ferlin Huskey: Sinful Secret
Marty Robbins: Mean Mama Blues
Louvin Brothers: In The Middle of Nowhere
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

9:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Jordanaires: Theme
Webb Pierce (host): Love, Love, Love
Cowboy Copas: Any Old Time
Anita Carter: Here We Go Again
Webb Pierce: Yes, I Know Why
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Clyde
Jordanaires: What Will The Verdict Be
Chet Atkins: Poor People of Paris
Webb Pierce: I Don't Care
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle

10:00: Wall-Rite
George Morgan (host): Lonesome Record
Bill Monroe: Close By
Carlisles: Shake A Leg
George Morgan: I Think T'm Gonna Cry
Don Slayman: Katy Hill

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Marty Robbins (host): Tennessee Toddy
Martha Carson: Let The Light Shine On Me
Autry Inman: Blue Monday
Marty Robbins: Don't Let Me Hang Around
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

10:30: Hester Battery
Ernest Tubb (host): Two Classes Joe
Moon Mullican: Mona Lisa
Benny Martin: Yes It's True
Ernest Tubb: You Don't Have To Be a Baby To Cry
Tommy Jackson: Bile Them Cabbage Down

10:45: D-Con
Hank Snow (host): Would You Mind
Gully Jumpers: Dance All Night
Cowboy Copas: Don't Shake Hands With the Devil
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got To See You Once Again
Chubby and Tommy: Cripple Creek

11:00: W. E. Stephens
Lonzo and Oscar: Theme
Jim Reeves (host): If You Were Mine
Ferlin Huskey: Slow Down
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch and Chain
Lonzo and Oscar: Push Boy Push
Jim Reeves: And That's A Sad Affair
Grandpa Jones: John Henry
Crook Brothers: Lil Liza Jane
Ferlin Huskey: Cuz You're So Sweet
Jim Reeves: Then I'll Stop Loving You
Fiddle Tune: Tom and Jerry

11:30: Delited
Faron Young (host): It's A Great Life
Louvin Brothers: Then I'll Be Loving You
Carlisles: Zat You Myrtle
Sam and Kirk: Milk Cow Blues
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Joe
Faron Young: I've Got Five Dollars and It's Saturday Night
Cousin Jody: Wouldn't You Like To
Louvin Brothers: Pit Fall
Faron Young: Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young

A name that some might not recognize from that night was Autry Inman. Autry, who's given name was Robert Autry Inman, was born on January 6, 1929 in Florence, Alabama. By the age of 14, he was appearing on local radio and using his middle name as his stage name. After completing high school, he became a member of the Oklahoma Cowboys, the band that backed up Cowboy Copas, as a base player. At the same time, he was also part of George Morgan's band, Candy Kids. After releasing two solo singles on Bullet Records, in 1952 he signed with Decca Records. In his career with Decca he recorded over 40 country songs. His career was interrupted by service in the Army and after his release in 1956 he switched to rockabilly music, which was very popular at the time. After releasing several singles with limited success, he signed with RCA Records in 1958. As with Decca, his success was limited. In the 1960s, he drifted between various labels including Mercury Records, United Artists Records, Sims Records, Guest Star Records and Jubilee Records. During that period of time, he switched some of his material to adult-stand up.

In addition to being a vocalist, he was also a well respected songwriter, with songs recorded by Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, George Jones and Hank Williams. In 1968, he released a single with Bob Luman titled, "Ballad of Two Brothers." This was his biggest hit single and it reached #14 on the country charts and made the Top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. After that, Autry faded away and he passed away on September 6, 1988 at the age of 59.

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!

Opry Observation/Tuesday Night Opry 3/14 & Opry Country Classics 3/16

As most know, I was at the Grand Ole Opry this past weekend for the induction of Dailey & Vincent as the Opry's newest members. While I will offer my observations later this week, I did want to make one observation regarding the Friday Night Opry and how it was put together.

First there was Jeannie Seely. A classic country music singer who in September will celebrate 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She was followed by Craig Campbell, one of the young, male singers in country music who already has had a presence on the country charts. Next up was Jesse McReynolds, a member of the Opry for over 50 years and a bluegrass legend. He played two instrumental numbers on his fiddle. The first segment alone had a lot of variety in it, something for everyone.

The next segment featured the comedy and string band music from Mike Snider. He brought on Brooke Eden, a very young female trying to make a career in country music. She was followed by Montgomery Gentry, one of the hot duos in country music from the past decade. They brought a lot of energy to the stage. Like the first segment, a lot of variety in the second segment.

The third segment was hosted by Riders In The Sky. Cowboy and Western music, along with a bit of comedy. Rhiannon Giddens was next. Originally a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, she is an amazing talent. Sang some soulful, basic Americana/bluegrass/folk music (in other words, hard to characterize her). Henry Cho, a non-country comedian finished out the segment.

Finally, Connie Smith hosted the final slot. A Hall of Fame member who sings classic country with a bit of gospel. A great voice and a legend. She brought out Old Crow Medicine Show. Again, they are hard to put into any one category. A bit of bluegrass, string band, country, instrumental, Americana. A crowd favorite with "Wagon Wheel."

When you add it all up, and look how each act was booked and slotted, there was something for everyone on that show. From classic country to young country. Bluegrass to today's hot hits. Comedy and string band music. And that is what has made the Opry a great show over the years.

Now for the Tuesday Night Opry, March 14:

7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Wayne; Thompson Square
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely; Charles Esten
8:45: Rascal Flatts

Opry Country Classics, Thursday March 16:

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Pam Tillis
Also appearing: Mo Pitney; The Gatlin Brothers; Jim Lauderdale; Mandy Barnett

Grand Ole Opry 3/10 & 3/11-Induction of Dailey & Vincent

It's a big weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as on Saturday night, the Opry will welcome Dailey & Vincent as the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. They are well deserving of the honor and it should be an exciting night at the Opry.

Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent formed Dailey & Vincent in 2008. Jamie Dailey was formally the lead vocalist with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, a group that he had been associated with since 1999. Darrin Vincent, brother of bluegrass singer Rhonda Vincent,, had been a member of Ricky Skaggs' group, Kentucky Thunder, and prior to that was a part of The Sally Mountain Show.

Since forming, Dailey & Vincent have released 6 albums on Rounder Records, with 5 of those albums having charted on at least one of the Billboard charts. The group has won 13 awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association and 23 awards from The Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America. In 2011, they received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and won the 2011 Dove Award for Best Bluegrass Album, "Singing From The Heart." In 2013, they received their 2nd Grammy Award nomination for Best Bluegrass Album for "The Gospel Side of Dailey & Vincent" and won a Dove Award for "The Gospel Sin." In 2014, the group won the Gospel Recording Performance award from the IBMA  for "Won't It Be Wonderful There." In September 2015, the Dailey & Vincent Show began airing on the RFD-TV network.

On December 30, 2016, during a performance on the Friday Night Opry, which was their 100th appearance on the show, Dailey & Vincent were surprised by Opry member Marty Stuart with an invitation to become the Opry's newest members.

On Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, Dailey & Vincent will be joined by Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, Bobby Osborne and Old Crow Medicine Show. Among the guest artists scheduled to appear are Craig Campbell, Jackie Lee,

Jeannie, Mike, Connie, Old Crow and Riders In The Sky will also be appearing on the Friday Night Opry, where they will be joined by Opry members Jesse McReynolds and Montgomery Gentry. Guest artists scheduled to appear on Friday include Craig Campbell, pulling double duty this weekend, Jim Lauderdale, Brook Eden and comedian Henry Cho.

Friday March 10
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Craig Campbell; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Lauderdale; Montgomery Gentry
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Brooke Eden; Henry Cho
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show

Saturday March 11
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Campbell; Mike Snider
7:30: Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Michael Ray; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show

Yes, Dailey & Vincent get the entire half hour. With that, I am expecting a special guest or two.

After the Opry ends on Saturday night, it should be a fun night at the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree as Riders In The Sky will be the hosts. The taping begins at 10:00 pm with the broadcast at midnight on WSM.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of March 9 & 10, 2012:

Friday March 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Brent Eldredge
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mel Tillis
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Gloriana
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Keith Urban

Saturday March 10
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Canaan Smith
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Luke Bryan; Charlie Daniels Band
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Alison Krauss; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Brad Paisley

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Brad Paisley
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Stonewall Jackson; Alison Krauss
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); George Hamilton IV; Luke Bryan; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Canaan Smith; Charlie Daniels Band

Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of March 9 & 10, 2007:

Friday March 9
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Riders In The Sky; Ralph Stanley
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bucky Covington; Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Ricky Skaggs
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Michael Martin Murphy

Saturday March 10
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown; The Whites
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Steve Holy; Mel Tillis; Alan Jackson
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Riders In The Sky; Jean Shepard; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Pam Tillis

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Jimmy C Newman; Alan Jackson
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jim Ed Brown; The Whites; Ricky Skaggs
10:30: Pam Tillis (host); Jean Shepard; Mel Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Steve Holy; Del McCoury Band

And from 25 years ago, the weekend of March 13 &14, 1992:

Friday March 13
7:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jeanne Pruett; Ray Pillow; Jack Greene; Jean Shepard
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Gene Watson; The Whites
8:30: Roy Acuff (host); 4 Guys; Connie Smith
9:00: Hank Snow (host); Jim Ed Brown; Skeeter Davis; Billy Walker
9:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stonewall Jackson; Del Reeves; The Carlisles; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Justin Tubb; Osborne Brothers; Stella Parton
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Johnny Russell

Saturday March 14
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jeannie Seely
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Skeeter Davis; Jack Greene
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Mike Snider; Jim Ed Brown; Del Reeves
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Charlie Louvin; Jeanne Pruett; Ray Pillow; Osborne Brothers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jimmy  Dickens; Wilma Lee Cooper; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); 4 Guys; Connie Smith; Stonewall Jackson; Roy Drusky

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Del Reeves; 4 Guys; Osborne Brothers
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Louvin
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); The Carlisles
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jack Greene
10:45: Bill Monroe (host); Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy Dickens; Justin Tubb; Mike Snider
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Roy Drusky; Connie Smith; Johnny Russell

It was on Saturday March 9, 1996 that Grand Ole Opry legend Bill Monroe made his final Saturday night appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, with his final appearance coming on the next Friday night, March 15 on the Friday Night Opry.

Bill Monroe had been battling health issues in his later years yet he kept up his steady stream of Opry appearances. On the final Friday night, March 15, Bill hosted a segment that included Skeeter Davis, Bill Carlisle and Del Reeves. In addition to the opening and closing theme of "Watermelon on the Vine," he performed "Down Yonder" and "Stay Away From Me." His final song, and the last he would ever sing, was a duet with Tom Ewing, "True Life Blues." He was scheduled to do the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday March 16, but that morning he was disoriented and was rushed to Baptist Hospital in Nashville. Upon examination, it was determined that Bill had suffered a stroke, from which he would not recover. His health entered a period of decline and Bill passed away on September 9, 1996. He had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since October 1939.

On Bill's final Saturday night, he hosted his usual 2 segments, opening the 1st show and hosting the 10:15 segment on the 2nd show. Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday March 9, 1996, Bill Monroe's final Saturday night at the Opry:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Monroe (host): My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling
Jim Ed Brown: I Heard the Bluebird Sing
Bill Monroe: I've Found A Hiding Place

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Mountain Dew
Mike Snider & Kyle Dillingham: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Oswald: Worry, Worry Blues
The Whites: Making Believe
Bill Carlisle: Go Home
Ricky Skaggs: Highway 40 Blues
Porter Wagoner: Sugarfoot Rag

7:30: Standard Candy
4 Guys (host): Amazing Grace
Stu Phillips: Colorado
Charlie Walker: Smoke; Smoke; Smoke
4 Guys: We're Only Here For A Little While
Grand Ole Opry Ladies: (Wilma Lee Cooper; Connie Smith; Skeeter Davis; Jan Howard; Jeanne Pruett; Jeannie Seely; Jean Shepard): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Are My Sunshine

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Family Reunion
Karen Briemer (?): Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Stonewall Jackson: Life to Go
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Bill Anderson: Still

8:30: Kraft
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Roy Drusky: If the Whole World Stopped Loving
John Conlee: I'm Only In It For the Love
Jack Greene: Highway to the Sky
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Jimmy C Newman: Mottland
Cajun Country: In the Cajun Mood

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Tell Her Lies & Feed Her Candy
Charlie Louvin: I Love You Best of All
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Whites: Pins & Needles
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: The Last Thing on My Mind

10:00: Massey Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): Ball Headed End of the Broom
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Chimes/Putting on the Dog
Grandpa Jones: Gooseberry Pie

10:15: Zim's Crack Cream
Bill Monroe (host): It's Mighty Dark for Me to Travel
Jack Greene; He Is My Everything
Bill Monroe: Take Courage Un' Tomorrow

10:30: Gruhn
Bill Anderson (host): Orange Blossom Special
Jean Shepard & Mary Kay James: I'm Not That Good at Goodbyes
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar

10:45: Fairfield Communities
4 Guys (host): When You've Got A Good Woman, it Shows
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
4 Guys: Tennessee

11:00: Coca-Cola
Ricky Skaggs (host): I'm Tired
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun Honey
Connie Smith: You & Your Sweet Love
Charlie Walker: Odds & Ins; Bits & Pieces
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
Ricky Skaggs: Loving Only Me

11:30: L'Oreal
John Conlee (host): Let the Good Times Roll
Jim & Jesse: Dream of Me
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
Billy Walker: Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
John Conlee: Rocking with You

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. As for myself, I will be in Nashville this weekend and will enjoy watching Dailey & Vincent become the Opry's newest members. I will certainly offer my observations when I return next week.

Sally Williams-New General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry.

Sally Williams To Lead Opry Entertainment Group’s New Division 

Sarah Skates • March 6, 2017 •

Opry Entertainment Group today (March 6) announced it has created a programming and artist relations division which will be headed by Sally Williams. Her new post is Senior Vice President of Programming & Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment, and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry, reporting to Opry Entertainment Chief Operating Officer, Michael Guth.
Williams, who was previously the Company’s Vice President of Concerts & Entertainment and General Manager of Ryman Auditorium, will lead a team that will be responsible for all booking, programming, artist relations and artist collaborations across Opry Entertainment’s growing portfolio of media and entertainment assets, among them: the Grand Ole Opry, Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium, Opry City Stage (Summer 2017), Ole Red Nashville (Spring 2018) and Ole Red Tishomingo (Fall 2017).
As part of her new role, Williams will also serve as general manager of the Grand Ole Opry where she will be responsible for overseeing the show’s lineup, programming and member relations. She will continue to oversee programming for the Ryman.
The new division headed by Williams also includes Dan Rogers, promoted to Director of Marketing, Communication, and Artist Initiatives; Gina Keltner, promoted to Senior Talent Manager; Dolly Chandler in the new position of Opry Entertainment Group Talent Buyer; and other team members to be announced.
Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Opry Entertainment parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties, said, “In all of my time with this company, I have never been more excited about the opportunity we have to expand the Opry’s reach and share its story with more people than ever before. Given the growing breadth and depth of our assets, we are increasing the resources dedicated to partnering with the music community and better aligning our portfolio to support developing artists, honor today’s superstars, and celebrate country music’s legends. Sally is uniquely qualified to lead this new division.”
Williams, who is currently serving as the 2017 chairman of the County Music Association, joined the Company in 1999 and spent seven years managing concerts and other events for the Opry Entertainment Complex. After a brief stint with the Country Music Association, Williams returned to the Company in 2008 as General Manager of Ryman Auditorium. Under Williams’ leadership, Ryman Auditorium has been named Pollstar Magazine’s Theatre of Year for seven consecutive years and CMA’s Touring Awards Venue of the Year for five consecutive years. Williams has received numerous industry awards and recognitions for her expertise in venue management, talent buying and event promotion.
“It’s such a privilege to be part of Nashville’s music community,” said Williams. “The teams at the Opry and the Ryman are extremely passionate about being good partners in the creation of meaningful experiences for both artists and fans. I’m excited to work with them as we continue to expand these opportunities.”

Tuesday Night Opry 3/7 & Opry Country Classics 3/9

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-up for this week's Tuesday Night Opry:

7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Jackie Lee
7:30: Sunny Sweeney; Exile
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky; Point Of Grace
8:45: Crystal Gayle; Chris Janson

A pretty nice show. Nice to see the most recent new Opry member Crystal Gayle making another appearance. And yes, another guest appearance for Chris Janson.

The Opry also resumes the Opry Country Classics show for it's Spring run at the Ryman Auditorium. I have heard that this week's show will be a tribute show to Dottie West, and with Larry Gatlin, Jeannie Seely and Steve Wariner scheduled, that would all make sense as each of them were either friends of Dottie or influenced by her.

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Steve Wariner
Also Appearing: Jeannie Seely; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Chris Janson; Amber Digby.

As things stand right now, I will be in Nashville this weekend and I should be at the Opry Classic show. More details to come.

March Opry Highlights

Welcome to March and the month that brings us Spring. I hope wherever you live that winter is coming to an end. Up here in Ohio, it was a very mild winter with little snow and some record high temperatures. I will take that type of winter anytime. Getting back to the business of the Grand Ole Opry, here are the important and historical events that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or in regards to members of the Opry, during the month of March:

March 9, 1925: Ralph Sloan, the leader and founder of The Tennessee Travelers, was born. Ralph and his group joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1952 and continued under Ralph's leadership until his death in 1980. After Ralph passed away, his brother Melvin took over as the group's leader, changing the name to the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin continued on until his retirement in 2002.

March 24, 1928: Kitty Cora Cline became the first female solo artist to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Kitty was at the Opry until March 31, 1934, when she decided to quit. The story goes that on that particular evening, she was on her way to the Opry and witnessed a serious car accident that bothered her so much that she refused to travel by car again. Thus, she quit performing.

March 31, 1934: Robert Lunn made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. After joining the Opry, he stayed until retiring in 1958.

March 16, 1946: Future Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his first appearance on the Opry, appearing as a member of Pee Wee King's band.

March 1, 1952: Uncle Dave Macon, one of the Opry's earliest stars, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Uncle Dave was one of the Opry's originals and was one of the first professional musicians to join the cast. Two weeks later, on March 22, Uncle Dave passed away at the age of 82.

March 21, 1953: Bill Carlisle and the Carlisles made their first guest appearance at the Grand Ole Opry.

March 1, 1958: After criticizing the management of WSM radio, Marty Robbins was fired as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry management quickly realized their mistake and Marty was quickly hired back.

March 2, 1963: Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins made their final appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. Several days later, the duo would pass away when the plane they were riding in crashed on the way back to Nashville. Copas, Hawkins, along with Opry member Patsy Cline and pilot Randy Hughes were returning after performing on a benefit show in Kansas City.

March 9, 1963: The Grand Ole Opry observed a moment of silence to honor Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Randy Hughes. Also honored was Jack Anglin of Johnny & Jack, who also passed away the previous week, in his case the result of injuries from an auto accident. In the tribute read by Opry manager Ott Devine, he said, "All of their friends standing with me tonight on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium know that it is impossible to put our thoughts, or feelings, our love for Patsy, Hank, Cope, Jack and Randy. And so we ask for a moment of silent prayer in tribute to them."

March 29, 1963: Texas Ruby Owens died in a fire at her home. Along with her husband Curly Fox, she came to the Opry in the 1940s. After Ruby's death, Curly remained at the Opry as a solo act.

March 2, 1964: Jim & Jesse McReynolds were invited to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. Later that week, they made their first appearance as Opry members. Jim & Jesse were very popular members of the Opry and along with their group the Virginia Boys, continued as members of the Opry until the death of Jim in December 2002. After Jim's death, Jesse has continued on at the Opry as a solo artist and this year will mark his 53rd year as an Opry member.

March 7, 1964: Ernie Ashworth, along with Jim & Jesse, made his first appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ernie, who was famous for his hit song, "Talk Back Trembling Lips" and for his colorful suit with flaming lips on it, remained an Opry member until his death on March 2, 2009.

March 28, 1964: Connie Smith made her first appearance as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Connie appeared at the invitation of Bill Anderson. Later that evening, Connie stopped by at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and the Midnight Jamboree. A year later, in 1965, Connie became an Opry member.

March 9, 1968: Irene Ryan, who played the part of Granny on the very popular show, "The Beverly Hillbillies," made a guest appearance on the Opry.

March 15, 1968: The Byrds, featuring Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, made an appearance on the Friday Night Opry. They sang "Sing Me Back Home" and "Hickory Wind." The Byrds always considered it an honor to perform on the Opry and this appearance ended up being their only one. It was later reported that a few of the Opry's members were not thrilled over their appearance and the audience response was much the same.

March 28, 1970: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Robbins returned to the Opry for the first time since suffering a heart attack in January. As usual, he returned as the host of the 11:30 segment. Reporter Jerry Thompson, who was there that evening, wrote, "The sound from the jam-packed crowd was deafening. They couldn't hear the words to the songs that familiar figure behind the Opry mic was crooning, but there was no mistake. Marty Robbins was back where he belonged. Midway through the show, Robbins sat at the piano and told the audience, 'I had so many things I was going to say tonight. I want to thank all of my friends for their concern and I want to thank God for letting me be there. Now, I can't think of anything else to say, so I guess I'll have to sing for you.' And sing he did until 12:27 a.m. when the curtain closed amidst repeated shouts of 'more, more, more.'" This was one night that Ernest Tubb did not complain about the Midnight Jamboree starting late.

March 27, 1971: Jan Howard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While it has been over a year since Jan last appeared on the Opry, Jan will be celebrating her 46th year as an Opry member. Jan had been appearing on the Opry for several years before becoming an Opry member, and in fact, Opry member Bud Wendall had thought she was already a member. Finally, let's not forget that Jan's birthday is on March 13 and that Jan is the Opry's oldest female member.

March 9, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry had its final Saturday night show at the Ryman Auditorium. The Opry, which had been at the Ryman since 1943, was scheduled to move to the new Grand Ole Opry House the following weekend. Also, this was the final night that Bobby Bare was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, as he quit the cast when the Opry made the move to the new Opry House. Also giving up his Opry membership was Tom T Hall, although in Tom's case, he would later rejoin the cast.

March 15, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry conducted its final Friday Night Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. While the previous Saturday night was the final Grand Ole Opry show, this being the final show made for a very emotional night, so much so that both Bill Anderson and Charlie Walker forgot the words to their songs. The final segment this night was hosted by George Morgan, who concluded the show with his hit "Candy Kisses." After the Opry ended, Reverend Jimmie Snow hosted the final Grand Ole Gospel from the Ryman with guests Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and the Carter Family, none of whom actually appeared on the Opry that night. The show concluded with the singing of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and as soon as they were finished, the signs were taken down and many of the items were immediately transferred to the new Opry House. After the Opry left, the Ryman stayed empty for many years, with the inside of the building looking exactly as the Opry left it when they moved in 1974.

March 16, 1974: With President Richard Nixon in attendance, the Grand Ole Opry had its first performance at the new Grand Ole Opry House. When President Nixon made his appearance, he became the first President to visit and perform on the Opry. As yes, he did perform, playing several songs on the piano. There was much discussion on who would be the first Opry member to perform on the show, and with the decision made to go in alphabetical order, Roy Acuff took the honors, followed by Bill Anderson. With pretty much every Opry member in attendance, both shows that night ran well past the allotted time. The Grand Ole Opry House was the first building built specifically for the Opry, and despite damage from the flood in 2010, the building has held up well and has now been the Opry's home for 43 years.

March 30, 1974: The Earl Scruggs Revue made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. When Flatt & Scruggs broke up, both Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs maintained their Opry membership. While Lester enjoyed playing the Opry on a regular basis, Earl had a more progressive sound and enjoyed playing before different audiences. While he gave up his Opry membership, Earl would continue to come back and perform on the show.

March 14, 1975: One year after the Opry House opened, the Cumberland River overflowed its banks, causing a flood that forced the Opry to move the shows that weekend to the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. It was also the weekend of the 1st anniversary of the Opry House, so the timing wasn't the best. At first, many thought the Opry would return to the Ryman for the weekend, but it was determined that the old building was in no shape to host a live show. Unlike the flood of 2010 which caused extensive damage to the Opry House, the 1975 flood just affected the parking lots and the surrounding area.

March 4, 1978: For the first time in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, an entire show was televised. PBS had approached Opry officials to see if there was any interest in televising the show as part of the annual fundraising drive that PBS conducts. The Opry agreed and it was considered such a great success that PBS would continue to televise an Opry show for the next three years. The Opry did agree to a few changes, including all references to their commercial sponsors, which included covering the sponsor's signs that appeared on the Opry stage and backdrop. (however, in looking at video from those nights, Martha White's sign appears to show through rather well and Roy Acuff did get in a few Martha White plugs). What made those nights so special, besides the quality of the line-ups, was the fact that the Opry did not change the show at all. The format remained the same, although several of the members dressed up a bit more than usual. These shows also gave people across the country who had never attended an Opry show, a chance to see the entire Opry as it happened.

March 10, 1979: James Brown appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. He appeared at the invitation of Porter Wagoner, who thought it would be a great idea. It was a tough night at the Opry as several of the Opry's members did not agree with Porter and decided not to appear that night. James was on stage for almost 20 minutes and would later say that he enjoyed performing on the show.

March 23, 1979: Lester Flatt returned to the Opry for the first time since the previous November. A brain hemorrhage kept Lester away.

March 12, 1980: Ralph Sloan passed away. Ralph and the Tennessee Travelers had been at the Opry since 1952. Upon his death, brother Melvin took over the square dance group.

March 22, 1980: Opry member Marion Worth made her final appearance on the Opry. Marion joined the Opry in 1965 and while she didn't have a spectacular career in country music, she was a fairly popular member of the show. After leaving the Opry, Marion did a few shows in Las Vegas, then eventually retiring. Marion passed away in December 1999.

March 28, 1980: Tom T Hall rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Tom, along with Bobby Bare, quit in March 1974 when the Opry moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. It was reported that Ernest Tubb ran into Tom T in the parking lot after a show at the Opry House and told him he needed to get back to the Opry. He did and for most of the 1980s, was a regular performer on the show. Tom T has not been on the Opry in several decades and is now retired.

March 1, 1982: Roy Acuff was honored with a two-hours special that was televised on ABC. An all-star cast of performers and entertainers honored Roy, including President Ronald Reagan, Vice-President George Bush, Minnie Pearl, Tom T. Hall, Bill Anderson, Chet Atkins, Charlie Daniels and Gene Autry.

March 7, 1983: TNN, The Nashville Network, made its debut. This network would later become the television home of the Grand Ole Opry as a half hour of the show was televised live each Saturday night.

March 3, 1984: The Whites, consisting of Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 33rd year as Opry members.

March 7, 1986: Randy Travis made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He was introduced by Jimmy Dickens and sang, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Later that year, in December, Randy would become an Opry member.

March 4, 1996: Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl passed away from complications after suffering a series of strokes. Minnie had been a Grand Ole Opry member for over 50 years and was perhaps the most loved member of the Opry.

March 9, 1996: Minnie Pearl was remembered at the Opry on the first Saturday night following her death. Wilma Lee Cooper, Jean Shepard, Jeanne Pruett, Skeeter Davis, Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely sang, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" which was Minnie's favorite song.

March 15, 1996: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Monroe, an Opry member since 1939, made his final appearance on the Friday Night Opry. The following morning, Bill was admitted to Baptist Hospital after suffering a stroke.

March 14, 1998: Diamond Rio was invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The accepted and officially became Opry members the following month.

March 13, 1999: Trisha Yearwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trisha had been invited in January by Ricky Skaggs to join the cast. This will be her 18th year as an Opry member.

March 22, 2001: Opry member Johnny Russell was honored at a special benefit show at the Opry House. The show was held to raise funds for Johnny to help cover his mounting medical bills. Among those attending were Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs and Ralph Emery.

March 7, 2003: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Bill Carlisle made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. A few days after this show, Bill suffered a stroke. Bill joined the Opry in November 1953 and 49 years later, Bill was appearing on the Opry most every weekend. The stroke ended Bill's performing career and he passed away on March 17.

March 15, 2008: Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood during a guest appearance on the Opry and invited Carrie to become the Opry's newest member. Several months later in May, Carrie was officially inducted into the Opry's cast.

March 2, 2009: Opry legend Ernie Ashworth passed away. Ernie had been an Opry member for 45 years.

March 8, 2009: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin passed away at the age of 91. Hank joined the Opry in 1960 and at the time of his death, was the Opry's oldest member. "Send Me The Pillow You Dream On" was one of Hank's classic numbers, as was his rendition of "Danny Boy" which he did every St. Patrick's Day.

March 1, 2011: It was announced that Grand Ole Opry members Reba McEntire and Jean Shepard had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. For Jean, it was the culmination of a long career in country music.

March 6, 2012: Opry members Connie Smith and Garth Brooks were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

March 24, 2012: Carol Lee Cooper. the leader of the Carol Lee Singers, announced her retirement. Carol Lee originally came to the Opry with her parents, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper in 1957. Her retirement was the result of some voice and vocal issues that she had been experiencing.

March 5, 2013: The Grand Ole Opry honored Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins on the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took their lives, along with pilot Randy Hughes. Among those taking part in the tribute were Jean Shepard, Terri Clark, Mandy Barnett, John Conlee and Chuck Mead.

March 14, 2013: Opry member Jack Greene passed away after a long illness. Jack, who was formally a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours, joined the Opry in December 1967. Jack always did a great job singing "There Goes My Everything" and "Statue of a Fool." Even in his later years, Jack never lost his great voice.

March 15, 2014: The Grand Ole Opry marked the 40th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House with two special shows that featured Blake Shelton, Old Crow Medicine Show, Josh Turner, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Jimmy Dickens and Miranda Lambert.

There you have it for this month. Enjoy.

Grand Ole Opry 3/3 & 3/4

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday'a Grand Ole Opry. While not having the "star" power of last weekend's shows, there are still two pretty nice shows lined up.

Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Jeannie Seely, The Whites, Bill Anderson and Riders In The Sky. In fact, those four will be the segment hosts each night. Also appearing both nights will be Mike Snider, joined by Bobby Osborne on Friday night and Jesse McReynolds on Saturday night.

Guests scheduled for Friday night include Seth Ennis, Guy Penrod, Ray Scott, Restless Heart, Jerrod Niemann and Mark Wills, who is also scheduled for Saturday night. Saturday's guest list, in addition to Mark Wills, includes Love and Theft, Steve Moakler, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, and Steven Curtis Chapman, who will be appearing in the Opry gift shop after the show.

Friday March 3
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Seth Ennis; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Guy Penrod
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Ray Scott; Restless Heart
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Mark Wills; Jerrod Niemann

Saturday March 4
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Love and Theft; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Steve Moakler; Carson Peters & Iron Mountain
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Steven Curtis Chapman

Let me just say a few words about Carson Peters & Iron Mountain. I have seen Carson at the Opry several times and if you ever get a chance to see this group, take my recommendation and go and see them. Each of the members of Iron Mountain are fantastic musicians who play true bluegrass. And if you go to their website, the premier CD from Carson Peters and Iron Mountain is currently available. It is a collection of bluegrass and gospel. Not to leave anyone out, and I hope I have all the names correctly, Iron Mountain consists of Carson's father Jamie Peters, along with Eric and Ben Marshall, and Austin Tate.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of March 2 & 3, 2012:

Friday March 2
7:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Dustin Lynch
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Gloriana
8:45: Mel Tillis (host); Jesse McReynolds; Montgomery Gentry

Saturday March 3
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Holly Williams
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Darryl Worley
Intermission
8:15: Mel Tillis (host); Jan Howard; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Exile

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of March 2 & 3, 2007:

Friday March 2
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Del McCoury Band; Connie Smith; Marty Stuart
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Sunny Sweeney; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Craig Morgan
9:00: Alison Krauss (host); Jim Ed Brown; Riders In The Sky; John Waite
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Mike Snider; Carrie Underwood

Saturday March 3
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Blue Country
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jan Howard; Riders In The Sky; The Whites
7:30: Alison Krauss (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith; John Waite
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown; Craig Morgan; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Danielle Peck; Del McCoury Band

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Blue Country
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Craig Morgan; Ricky Skaggs
10:30: Alison Krauss (host); The Whites; John Waite; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Danielle Peck; Del McCoury Band

Finally, it was 33 years ago this weekend, Saturday March 3, 1984 that The Whites became members of the Grand Ole Opry.

The Whites have been a part of the Grand Ole Opry family for more than 30 years and have been showcasing their own family harmony as a professional stage act even longer. Buck's skills on the piano landed him early gigs with the Opry's Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb and others. He married Pat Goza in 1951, and in 1962 they moved from Texas to Arkansas, where they began performing with another couple as the Down Home Folks. Their children performed as the Down Home Kids.

By the mid-'60s, the family was well known in bluegrass circles, and when the younger Whites decided they wanted to sing professionally, the family moved to Nashville in 1971. During their first years in Nashville, they performed as the Down Home Folks and recorded several bluegrass albums.

In 1973, mother Pat retired from the group, and in 1975, The Whites played a Washington, D.C., show with Emmylou Harris. That association led to Sharon and Cheryl providing background vocals on Harris' 1978 "Blue Kentucky Girl" album. "She just opened so many doors for us and put us in front of people who had never seen us before," Sharon told interviewer Paul Edward Joyce.

In 1981, Sharon White married Ricky Skaggs, a one-time member of Emmylou's Hot Band who also co-produced The Whites' major-label debut, "Old Familiar Feeling." The album yielded four Top 10 hits, including "You Put the Blue in Me," and "Hangin' Around." Other albums by The Whites, which blend country, folk, bluegrass, and gospel sounds include "Forever You," "Ain't No Blinds," and "Doin' It by the Book." In 2000, The Whites appeared in the film, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?," performing the Carter Family classic, "Keep on the Sunny Side," and picking up a Grammy for their efforts. The Whites were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008, the same year their collaboration with Ricky, "Salt of the Earth," also won a Grammy award.

Technically, the induction date for The Whites is listed as March 2, which was a Friday, thus Saturday March 3 was the first Grand Ole Opry show for The Whites as members. Here is the running order from that Saturday night:

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host): Will You Be Lovin' Another Man
Jeannie Seely: When Your Heart's Been Stepped On
Bill Monroe: Shenandoah Breakdown

6:45: Rudy's
Grandpa Jones (host): Little 'Ol Gal A' Waitin'
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little Rock
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'
Grandpa Jones: I'll Meet You in the Morning

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never
Charlie Louvin & Debbie Groves: Something to Brag About
Lonzo & Oscar: I'm My Own Grandpa
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat/Tennessee Saturday Night

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
The Whites: The Cowboy Lives Forever/You Put the Blue In Me
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Liberty
Bill Anderson: From Rock n' Roll to Rock of Ages

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Minnie Pearl: Maple on the Hill
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Connie Smith: I'm Only In It for the Love/Sing, Sing, Sing

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
4 Guys: Wings of A Dove
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Tom T Hall: Sneaky Snake/I Love
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
4 Guys: Marie
Jeannie Seely: When Your Heart's Been Stepped On
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
The Whites: Give Me Back that Old Familiar Feeling/Alabama Jubilee
Porter Wagoner: Alive & Well

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling
Charlie Walker: My Window Faces the South
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Bill Monroe: It's Me Again, Lord

10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Skeeter Davis: The Rose
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words
Grandpa Jones & George McCormick: Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Connie Smith: That's the Way Love Goes
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

10:45: Beech-Nut
Bill Anderson (host): Country D.J.
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late
Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin'
Bill Anderson: Still

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's a Fool Such As I
Jean Shepard: If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time/The Wonders You Perform
Justin Tubb: Pull the Covers Over Me
Charlie Louvin: Love Has to Die
Hank Snow: Nobody's Child

11:30: Hardee's
Jack Greene (host): Midnight Tennessee Woman
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink on Me/Oh, What A Party
Tom T Hall: Your Man Loves You Honey/Old Dogs, Children & Watermelon Wine
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

Congratulations to The Whites upon their 33rd anniversary as members of The Grand Ole Opry.

As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!