Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

To all of those who read my blog, who have offered comments during the year, or who have just stopped by for a brief visit, allow me to wish each and every one of year a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season. I hope Santa is good to each and every one of you and that all of your Christmas wishes are filled. 

Personally, I want to offer best wishes and thanks to each of you who have taken the time to comment, email or text me during the past year. While many times we will not agree, we all have the same feelings, and that is we love the Grand Ole Opry and we care about the show greatly. 

I hate to get into the business of offering special thanks, because inevitably I will miss someone, but there are a few I want to mention (in no special order): Mike, Jeanene, Jim, Sven, E.Z., David, Gary, Barry, Steve, Nat, Art, James, Bob, Opryman, Ken, Woody, Fred, and the several of you who prefer to remain anonymous. There are others who prefer not to have their names mentioned (you know who you are), and I respect your privacy. There are those who do not comment on the blog itself, preferring to offer your thoughts and comments in other ways, and I always enjoy hearing from each of you. There are 106 of you who are listed as followers and many, many more who check out the blog on a regular basis. Thanks also goes to those at the Grand Ole Opry who read and follow our posts. Hopefully I do nothing to upset them and that they will continue to accept my money. 

I am always surprised when I go to Nashville and someone will walk up to me and tell me that they read and follow the blog and how much they enjoy the connection to the Opry and its history. There are a few of you who I always make a point of visiting when I am in town and I always enjoy the brief time we spend together. It's fun and I have made many friends and acquaintances. 

I am amazed at the number of emails or messages that I receive from those asking specific information about past shows, Opry members, or significant events. I am always willing to help and locate that information. Many times I will come across something that even I did not know. 

I have a counter as to the number of comments and page views that I receive, and this past month alone there were 12,272 page views, and in the history of the blog, the count now stands at just over one million. Amazing!!!!

When I started doing this a decade or so ago, I had no idea where it would take me or who would read it. Daily I am surprised and amazed. All of you have made this journey worthwhile and fun. Without each of you, it would be pointless to continue. 

As 2019 is approaching, I hope the discussion continues. I will always try to do the best I can and offer what I can. If I am able to offer one wish for the Christmas season for the Opry, it would be that they continue to offer the best show they an each week, continue to embrace the newcomers while honoring and appreciating the veterans and legends. Let's not forget those who have set the table for the new members. 

My Christmas wish for each of you is peace and good health. Take care of your families and your neighbors. Enjoy and embrace what life offers and don't be afraid to walk out on that ledge once in a while. You never know what may be out there. I did and look what I came up with!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All: 

Byron

Grand Ole Opry 12/21 & 12/22

The big news from the Grand Ole Opry this weekend will be that Grand Ole Opry Staff Band member Jimmy Capps will be recognized upon his 60th anniversary of performing on the Grand Ole Opry. In conjunction with this recognition, Jimmy will be signing copies of his new book "The Man in Back" following the Friday Night Opry.

Jimmy Capps was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina and raised in Benson, North Carolina, where he began listening to the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 8. He was inspired by his uncle, a champion fiddle player, and he began playing the guitar at the age of 12. By 1956, Jimmy was playing in a band and also appearing on radio and television, including at WCKB in Dunn, North Carolina and at stations in Florence, South Carolina. In 1958 he began working with The Louvin Brothers and that same year he made his first appearance performing on the Opry with Charlie and Ira. In 1967 he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry Staff Band.

Jimmy remembered his audition for the Louvin Brothers. "When I auditioned for my job with the Louvin Brothers, their guitar player, Paul Yandell, (who had been drafted into the Army) had heard me working with a duet in North Carolina who sang all the Louvin Brother's songs, so I knew all the intros and turnarounds to their songs. He'd heard me play and recommended me to the Louvins. So I went to Burlington, North Carolina and after their show, we went back to the hotel and I auditioned. I did all their intros and turnarounds to the songs they auditioned me with and they seem to like me ok. But their guitar player noticed that I didn't use a thumbpick. He then asked me if I could play 'Malaguena'?. I told him, No, I couldn't. Charlie spoke up and said that Ira and him rarely played that song anymore so we're gonna hire him anyway. Thanks to Charlie, I guess I owe my whole career to him."

Jimmy has won numerous awards during his career and has been recognized for playing on the most number one recordings, including Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," "Conway Twitty's "The Rose," "George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and Kenny Roger's "The Gambler." He has also recorded with Barbara Mandrell, Andy Williams, Ray Charles, Mac Davis, John Conlee, Johnny Paycheck, Ronnie Milsap, Alan Jackson, Ernest Tubb, John Denver and Tom Jones among many others. In fact, it might be easier to make a list of those Jimmy did not record with.

In 2001, Jimmy was named the R.O.P.E. Musician of the Year. While not a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Jimmy has been honored as a "Nashville Cat" by the museum.

Since Jimmy became a member of the Grand Ole Opry Staff Band, there have been many changes to the group. Some retired, while others were let go. But through it all, Jimmy has been the one constant member.

Congratulations once again to Jimmy Capps, who joins a select group of artists that have performed on the Opry for over 60 years.
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As to the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, there are two pretty nice shows scheduled for the weekend before Christmas, highlighted by a couple of Opry members who have not appeared lately on the show: Vince Gill and Marty Stuart. While Marty is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, Vince is lined up for both shows. For Marty, this will be just his fourth Opry show this year, while for Vince, these will be shows seven and eight. In defense of both, it has been a very busy year. Marty has been doing his own touring, touring in support of the 50th anniversary of the Sweetheart of the Rodeo album with Chris Hillman and Roger McGuinn, and has been doing some work on his new museum that he is planning to open. As to Vince, he has been touring extensively with The Eagles, and that tour will be continuing into 2019 with an overseas tour planned.

As to additional Grand Ole Opry members this weekend, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers are scheduled for both nights, along with Bill Anderson. Connie Smith, Bobby Osborne and Jeannie Seely are listed for Friday night, with Mike Snider, Chris Janson, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites set for Saturday evening. That comes out to seven Opry members each night.

There is a nice collection of guest artists this weekend. Very frequent Opry guest Mark Wills is scheduled for both nights. For Mark, 2018 will be another year of making more Opry appearances then most of the Opry's members. He is one who you would think has earned the right to be an Opry member. Joining him on Friday night will be Paul Williams, Dillon Carmichael and The Malpass Brothers. Saturday, in addition to Mark, with will be Kathy Mattea, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Charlie Worsham and Rodney Crowell.

Friday December 21
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Dillon Carmichael; Connie Smith
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); Paul Williams; The Malpass Brothers
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Mark Wills

Saturday December 22
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Kathy Mattea
7:30: Chris Janson (host); Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Keith & Kristyn Getty; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Charlie Worsham; Rodney Crowell

Two observations: first, strange to see Connie Smith not on a segment hosted by her husband Marty Stuart. Second, interesting that Chris Janson is hosting a segment over Larry Gatlin. Chris hosted for the first time last weekend and obviously, management was pleased with the job he did. Plus, it brings a younger Opry member into the hosting rotation. But it is strange to see Larry on the Opry and not hosting. He usually has done a very nice job in that role. Not a complaint, just something that stood out.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of December 19 & 20, 2008:

Friday December 19
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jim Ed Brown w/Helen Cornelius; Jimmy Wayne
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Connie Smith
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Kathy Mattea
9:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; The Whites

Saturday December 20
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jan Howard; Tommy Emmanuel; The Whites
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jim Ed Brown; Connie Smith; Buck Trent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; Restless Heart

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne
10:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); George Hamilton IV; Tommy Emmanuel; The Whites
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith; Buck Trent; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; Restless Heart

From 25 years ago, Saturday December 18, 1993:
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis; Brother Oswald & Charlie
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Bill Carlisle; Jim and Jesse
7:00: Grandpa Jones (host); John Conlee; Jeanne Pruett; The Four Guys; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Faith Hill; Lee Greenwood
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ricky Skaggs; The Whites; Boxcar Willie; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jan Howard; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); John Conlee; Jeanne Pruett; The Four Guys; Jimmy C Newman
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Roy Drusky; Stu Phillips
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); The Whites; Charlie Walker
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Lee Greenwood; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider; Osborne Brothers; Charlie Louvin
11:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie; Johnny Russell

And from 50 years ago, Saturday December 21, 1968:

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host); Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Old Towser
Margie Bowes: Jambalaya
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick A Rose in December
Roy Acuff: Branded Wherever I Go
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
The Four Guys: Delilah
Grandpa Jones: Think a Little More of Others (And A Little Less of Me)

8:00: Martha White
Tex Ritter (host): Texas
Jack Greene: Until My Dreams Come True
Wilburn Brothers: We Need Lots More Happiness
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Archie Campbell: That Little Boy of Mine
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Tex Ritter: Working Man's Prayer
Wayne Gray: Suppertime

8:30: Stephens
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Jeannie Seely: Little Things
George Morgan: Silent Night
Charlie Louvin: What are Those Things
Lonzo and Oscar: Columbus Stockade Blues
Del Reeves: If I Lived Here (I'd Be Home Now)
Jeannie Seely: Welcome Home to Nothing

9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's 'A Comin'
Stu Phillips: Bring Love Back into Our World
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: I'm Going Home on the Morning Train
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Hen Cackle
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself a Name
Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Willis Brothers: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Jim and Jesse: Yonder Comes the Freight
Del Wood: 12th Street Rag
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses

10:00: Fender
Tex Ritter (host): Boll Weevil
Grandpa Jones: Raining on the Mountain, Now My Love
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Margie Bowes: Break My Mind
Wayne Gray: You Can Have Her

10:15: Pure
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Know, Arkansas
Wilburn Brothers: Someone Before Me
Osborne Brothers: Roll Muddy River
Archie Campbell: Most Richly Blessed

10:30: Buckley's
Bill Monroe (host): Molly and Tenbrooks
Del Reeves: Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo and Oscar: Moving On #2

10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): Waltz Across Texas
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Love is No Excuse
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such as I
Jim and Jesse: When the Snow Is on the Roses
Bob Luman: Memphis
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Goodin
Hank Snow: Christmas Wants
Stringbean: Banjo Convention
Sam McGee: How Great Thou Art

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Marion Worth: Almost Persuaded
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Bob Bishop: Roses to Reno
Marion Worth: Today I Started Loving You Again
Charlie Walker: White Christmas
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Begging to You/Don't Worry/El Paso
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Looking back in Grand Ole Opry history, it was 51 years ago, Saturday December 23, 1967 that Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Jack Greene was born in Maryville, Tennessee on January 7, 1930. He learned to play the guitar at an early age and by the age of 18 he was a regular on the Tennessee Barn Dance show on WNOX in Knoxville, Tennessee. In the early 1950s, he moved to Atlanta and formed his own band, The Peach Tree Boys. Jack was the lead vocalist, drummer and guitarist. In 1959, he moved to Nashville and formed another band, The Tennessee Mountain Boys. A major break came for him in 1961 when his band performed as the opening act for Ernest Tubb. Ernest was very impressed with Jack and asked him to became a part of the Texas Troubadors. Jack assumed the role of drummer, guitarist, vocalist and master of ceremonies for Ernest and was soon acting as Ernest's opening act.

In 1964 Jack released his first single, "The Last Letter." Soon after, and at the urging of Ernest Tubb, Jack left the Troubadors and began working on his solo career. His first Top 40 hit came in early 1966 with "Ever Since My Baby Went Away," reaching No. 37 on the charts. Later that year, Decca released what would become his signature song, "There Goes My Everything." The song went to No. 1 on the charts and stayed in that position for seven weeks, while also becoming a cross over hit. The album stayed at No. 1 for an entire year. His success continued the following year with another No. 1 hit, "All The Time," followed by "What Locks The Door," which reached No. 2. In 1967, Jack won Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year, and Album of the Year from the Country Music Association. His success continued in 1968 with "You Are My Treasure" and "Love Takes Care of Me," both Top 5 hits. In 1969 he had two more No. 1 hits with "Until My Dreams Come True" and "Statue of a Fool." That was followed by "Back In The Arms of Love."

In 1970, Jack began a duet relationship with fellow Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely, with "Wish I Didn't Have To Miss You" reaching No. 2 on the charts. That song was also Jack's last top-ten record. Jack charted several more singles in the early 1970s, including "Satisfaction," "I Need Somebody Bad," "and "It's Time To Cross That Bridge." Following that last single, his chart success dropped quickly and by 1976 he was dropped by MCA Records. Jack's final Top 40 single was "Yours For The Taking," which reached No. 28 in 1980.

Jack continued to be a regular performed on the Grand Ole Opry, in addition to keeping up a touring schedule. He also continued to record on independent labels, with his final album "Precious Memories, Treasured Friends" being released in 2010. By that time, Jack was beginning to decline due to complications of Alzheimer's disease, from which he passed away from on March 14, 2013.

Here is the running order from Saturday December 23, 1967, the night Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:

7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): White Lightening Express
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Willis Brothers: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself a Name
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Jeannie Seely: I'll Love You More
Grand Ole Opry Staff Band: Jingle Bell Rock
Roy Drusky: Weakness In a Man

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Julie
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
George McCormick: Branded Man
Mack Magaha and Buck Trent: Turkey in the Straw
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Dooley

8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Hawkeye
George Hamilton IV; Early Morning Rain
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease, Heart
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Grandpa Jones: That's All This World Needs
Hal Rugg: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Lord: Winter Wonderland

9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Thank's A Lot
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's A' Comin'
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Loretta Lynn: What Kind of a Girl
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Reindeer Boogie
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo and Oscar: Jangle Bells/ Frosty the Snowman
The Four Guys: White Christmas
Del Reeves: A Dime at a Time
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Harold Weakley: Paint a Picture of My World
Hank Snow: Christmas Wants

10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Shadows on the Wall
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Stringbean: Run, Little Rabbit, Run
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips

10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Grandpa Jones: Jingle Bells
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Porter Wagoner: Woman Hungry
Mack Magaha and Buck Trent: Katy Hill

10:30: Buckley's
George Hamilton IV (host): Truck Driving Man
Dottie West: Like a Fool
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Eugene Sloan: (?)

10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make a Woman Lose Her Mind
Jack Greene: What Locks the Door
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Skeeter Davis: Dear Heart
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldiers Joy
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Tonight Carmen
Bill Monroe: Scotland
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal Is This
Loretta Lynn: The Third Man
Lonzo and Oscar: A King Size Cola and A Moon Pie
Bobby Sykes: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Begging to You/Singing the Blues/Lovesick Blues/El Paso

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend, and you should. It looks like a good weekend.

Grand Ole Opry 12/14 & 12/15

Before getting into the line-ups for the Grand Ole Opry shows this weekend, I wanted to comment on the four shows I saw last weekend while I was in Nashville.

Let's start with the Friday Night Opry, which I thought was the better of the two nights. The first show was sold out while the second show was about 90% filled. Toby Keith was the artist most came to see and he did not disappoint. Except for singing the song that is featured in the new Clint Eastwood movie, The Mule, Toby stuck to his older country songs. That was expected as he was appearing in support of the 25th anniversary of "Should've Been a Cowboy." He also sang "Who's That Man" and "I Love This Bar," among others. He had a full 30 minute segment on each show and filled out the segment. He talked about how much he loved being at the Ryman Auditorium and on the Opry. He also had Mac McAnally on stage with him and did a duet with Eddy Raven, stating how much Eddy had helped him out early in his career. While not a huge Toby Keith fan, I was pleased.

The real highlight for me was Emmylou Harris. Emmylou sounded and looked great on all four shows, and what I really liked was that she did three different songs on each of the shows, thus 12 different songs from Emmylou, including two with The Whites on Saturday. Emmylou is an icon and it would be nice if we could see her at the Opry more often. She really seemed to be enjoying herself both nights.

Besides Emmylou, Friday night also featured Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, John Conlee and Connie Smith. All were excellent. It was nice to hear Jeannie do several Christmas songs including "I'll Be Home for Christmas," which she said was her favorite Christmas song. Mike Snider was very funny, with a couple of the jokes being on the edge. John and Connie also did a Christmas number on each show. As to the guest artists, I was impressed with Mac McAnally and his guitar work, of which he has won numerous awards, and Paul Thorn. This was my first time to see Paul, and I thought he was very good. And not to forget Eddy Raven, who I have seen several times. He did a nice job also.

Moving on to Saturday night, again the first show looked to be sold-out with the second show at about 70%. Quite a few empty seats in on the lower level in the back and upstairs in the side sections. Emmylou, John, Jeannie, Mike and Connie were back on Saturday night and with the exception of Emmylou, did much of the same material as on Friday. The Whites were great, as were Riders In The Sky on the first show and Bobby Osborne on the second. A highlight for me was the Riders doing "Corn, Water and Wood." If you haven't heard it, it is a nice holiday song with a message. And what can I say about Bobby Osborne, who turned 87 last week? He sounded and looked better from what I had seen of him in October. He is aging well, as is Buck White who will be turning 88.

As to the guest artists, I am a fan of The Secret Sisters. They get airplay on the Outlaw channel on satellite radio. These sisters have great harmony and they were fine on Saturday. As to the other guests artists, Kelsea Ballerini was the best of the bunch. She actually sounded a little better than in past experiences of seeing her and I was actually fine with her. I will be kind and give Tegan Marie a break as she is only 15. But, she really needs to tone it down a bit with the giggling and somewhat shouting into the microphone. I get the impression she is trying to be the next Taylor Swift, and who knows, she might end up being that. I saved the best for last and that is Jessie James Decker. I made the comment on Facebook, and to a few others, that I would be very happy if I never saw her on the Opry again!! She did "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," which I thought she butchered, and another Christmas song that she said she wrote. Let's just say she is no Brenda Lee. Besides the bad singing, she was wearing a very tight pant outfit that I would describe as being rainbow in color, and she did some prancing around on stage. While the younger people enjoyed it, you could tell that a lot of the older crowd did not. And with the mention of the younger Opry fans, they did enjoy Kelsea and Tegan, which in many ways is the audience that the Opry is targeting.

Overall, it was a great weekend as in addition to the Opry, I attended the songwriters session at the Country Music Hall of Fame which featured Lionel Cartwright and Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy. Best free show in town. They were on stage for about 45 minutes, with Lionel doing the entire "Leap of Faith" and "I Watched It All on the Radio." Charlie did a number of songs that he participated in, such as "Old Dogs and Children," "Orange Blossom Special," and "The Boxer" among others. Lionel and Charlie also accompanied each other. After their show, which drew a good crowd, they did a meet and greet and I spent about 5-10 minutes talking to Lionel, mostly about the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, which he performed on often. After a string of hits, Lionel basically disappeared and now he works in the ministry at a church in the Nashville area.

All in all, it was one of the better weekends in Nashville and at the Opry. Anytime you can see Emmylou Harris four times in one weekend, it is good. And anytime you can see the Opry at the Ryman Auditorium is special. Yes, downtown can be crowded and a little hard to get around. Parking is expensive and the Ryman is not the easiest building to get into, especially when there are two shows a night. But, it is all worth it in the end.
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Now for this weekend, the Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the three shows this weekend. While Saturday's Grand Ole Opry remains a two show night for one more weekend,  the Friday Night Opry is back down to one night.

Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee is the only artist scheduled for all three shows this weekend. He will be joined by Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Bobby Osborne, Chris Janson, Riders In The Sky and Chris Young on Friday night. There are only three non-members scheduled, which includes Kalie Shorr, Sawyer Brown and Steven Curtis Chapman.

Joining John Conlee on Saturday night will be Bill Anderson, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites and Steve Wariner on both shows, while Mike Snider will be appearing on the first show, while Jeannie Seely is set for the late show. Highlighting the guest list on Saturday is Country Music Hall of Fame members Alabama. They had been scheduled several weeks earlier but cancelled due to illness. They will be joined by Abby Anderson, Radney Foster, and Travis Denning, who had made his Opry debut several weeks earlier.

Friday December 14
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Kalie Shorr; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Chris Janson (host); Sawyer Brown
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Chris Young

(while I have Chris Janson listed as hosting the segment, I am not 100% sure of that fact).

Saturday December 15
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Abby Anderson; Mike Snider
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Radney Foster
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Travis Denning; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Alabama

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Abby Anderson; John Conlee
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Radney Foster
10:30: Steve Wariner (host); Travis Denning; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Alabama
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of December 12 & 13, 2008:

Friday December 12
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jeannie Seely; Jimmy C Newman; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; John Conlee; Jimmy Wayne
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jim Ed Brown; Elizabeth Cook; Ralph Stanley
9:30: Diamond Rio (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press

Saturday December 13
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; Hal Ketchum
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); Jack Greene; Connie Smith; Ralph Stanley
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Mike Snider; Jimmy Wayne

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Hal Ketchum
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Mike Snider; Connie Smith; Ralph Stanley
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Charlie Louvin; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne

From 25 years ago, Saturday December 11, 1993:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
John Conlee (host): Hit the Ground Running
Skeeter Davis: The Christmas Boogie
John Conlee: I Don't Remember Loving You

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Charlie Walker: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Monroe (host): Life's Highway
Jim and Jesse I'll Be an Angel Too
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
The Whites: Christmas Time's 'A Comin'
Rhonda Vincent: What Else Could I Do
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky

7:30: Standard Candy
Jim Ed Brown (host): Winter Wonderland
Holly Dunn: If Nobody Knew My Name
The Four Guys: Let There Be Peace
Ray Price: City Lights/San Antonio Rose
Holly Dunn: Feliz Navidad
Jim Ed Brown: Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone at Last/We Wish You A Merry Christmas

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away
G. Johnson: He Called Me Baby/Release Me/Walkin' After Midnight
Brother Oswald: The End of the World
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Porter Wagoner: Misery Loves Company

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Geisha Girl
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Jan Howard: White Christmas
Roy Drusky: Homesick
Connie Smith: Satisfied
Hank Snow: The Prisoner's Song
Tommy Varden: Lee Highway Blues

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Jim and Jesse: Thanks for the Trip to Paradise
Connie Smith: Away in A Manger
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand

10:00: Little Debbie
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Cajun Band
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Jimmy C Newman: In the Cajun Mood

10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Charlie Walker (host): Deep Water
Wilma Lee Cooper: This World Can't Stand Long
Charlie Walker: Silver Dew on the Bluegrass Tonight/Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

10:30: Piccadilly
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes/Heartaches by the Numbers/Slowly
Skeeter Davis: The Christmas Boogie
Billy Walker: He Only Needs It for the Weekend

10:45: Opry Book
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Roy Drusky: Will Santy be Coming to Shanty Town
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Golden Slippers
Jim Ed Brown: Morning

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): That Heart Belongs to Me
The Whites: Pins and Needles
Ray Price: For the Good Times/Heartaches by the Numbers
The Four Guys: I Know; I Know
Rhonda Vincent: I'm Not Over You
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing That Was Good in My Life

11:30: General Jackson
Bill Monroe (host): Hills of Kentucky
Jan Howard: Oh, Lonesome Me
Jeannie Seely: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Johnny Russell: Got No Reason Now for Going Home
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's 'A Comin'
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There were a couple of events that took place this weekend back in 1973. Lorrie Morgan, age 14, made her Grand Ole Opry debut with her father George Morgan on the Friday Night Opry December 14, 1973. That was also George's 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The next day, Saturday December 15, was the start of Skeeter Davis' suspension from the Opry. The suspension would last almost 18 months. And on that same date, Grand Ole Opry member Del Wood celebrated her 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Here is the running order from 45 years ago, Saturday December 15, 1973:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Good Deal, Lucille
Bill Carlisle: Business Man
Joe Edwards: Maiden's Prayer
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

6:45: Rudy's
Stoney Cooper (host): Forgive; Forget Us #1
The Four Guys: Catfish John
Stoney and Carol Lee Cooper: I Shall not Be Moved

7:00: Rudy's
Stu Phillips (host): Pride
Barbara Fairchild: Behind Closed Doors
Jimmy Martin: You Don't Know My Mind
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Barbara Fairchild: Kids Stuff
Jimmy Martin: Sunny Side of the Mountain
Barbara Fairchild: Teddy Bear Song
Stu Phillips: Release Me

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Roy Acuff: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Dottie West: Rings of Gold
Del Wood: Power in the Blood
Roy Acuff and Del Wood: Meeting in the Air

8:00: Martha White
Tex Ritter (host): Christmas Carols by the Old Corral
Jeanne Pruett: Count Me Out
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Willis Brothers: Bob
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Snowbird
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Hank Locklin: Jambalaya
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Hank Snow: I'm Not at All Sorry for You

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Charlie Walker (host): My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Charlie Walker: Release Me
Dottie West: Sweet Memories
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink of Me
Charlie Walker: White Christmas

10:00: Fender
Stoney Cooper (host): Doin' My Time
Jimmy Martin: Free Born Man
Carol Lee Cooper: Paper Roses

10:15: Union 76
Stu Phillips (host): Crystal Chandelier
Barbara Fairchild: Baby Doll
Stu Phillips: C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beech-Nut
Tex Ritter (host): Christmas Carols by the Old Corral
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Crook Brothers: (?)
Tex Ritter: Willie, the Wondering Gypsy and Me

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Jeanne Pruett: Love Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: It's Over, Over Nothing
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Kirk McGee: Victor Rag
Hank Snow: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

11:30: Elm Hill
Hank Locklin (host): Please Help Me I'm Falling
Marion Worth: Faded Love
The Four Guys: Let Me Be There
Hank Locklin: I Can't Stop Loving You
Marion Worth: Okie from Muskogee
The Four Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of a Dove
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy

Del Wood was honored during the first show with a cake an a bouquet of flowers.

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

Grand Ole Opry 12/7 & 12/8

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the shows this weekend, with two shows each night, Friday and Saturday. With only four more weekends in 2018, I thought this would be a good weekend to head down to Nashville and take in the weekend shows, so that is where I will be this weekend.

Among the notable artists scheduled this weekend is Grand Ole Opry member, and Country Music Hall of Fame member, Emmylou Harris, who is scheduled for all four shows. Emmylou hasn't been on the Opry very often over the past decade, so it will be a treat to see her on the Ryman stage. Also scheduled for all four shows this weekend are Opry members Mike Snider, Connie Smith and John Conlee. They will be joined for both shows on Friday night by Jeannie Seely, while The Whites are set for both shows on Saturday night. Additionally, Riders In The Sky are listed for the first show on Saturday, with Bobby Osborne scheduled for just the second show.

Among the guest artists this weekend will be Toby Keith, who is scheduled for both shows on Friday night. Toby has appeared on the Opry a few times in the past, and it has been several years since his last appearance. Looks like the Opry is going all out for Toby as he has his own 30 minute segment on each show.

Other guest artists scheduled for Friday night include Tenille Townes, Mac McAnally, Paul Thorn, and Eddy Raven. Saturday it will be another guest appearance for Kelsea Ballerini, joined by Jessie James Decker, Tegan Marie, and an outstanding duo, The Secret Sisters.

Friday December 7
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Tenille Townes; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Emmylou Harris
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Mac McAnally; Eddy Raven; Paul Thorn
8:30: Toby Keith

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Tenille Townes; Mike Snider
10:00: John Conlee (host); Emmylou Harris
10:30: Toby Keith
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Mac McAnally; Eddy Raven; Paul Thorn

Saturday December 8
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Jessie James Decker
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Tegan Marie; The Secret Sisters
8:00: The Whites (host); Emmylou Harris; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Kelsea Ballerini

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jessie James Decker
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Tegan Marie; The Secret Sisters
10:30: The Whites (host); Emmylou Harris; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Kelsea Ballerini

Hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday evening will be Riders In The Sky. Nice to see an Opry act hosting the jamboree this weekend.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of December 5 and 6, 2008:

Friday December 5
7:00: Marty Stuart (host); Mike Snider; Connie Smith
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; John Conlee; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jim Ed Brown; Randy Rogers Band
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene

Saturday December 6
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown w/Helen Cornelius; Mike Snider
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; T. Graham Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Jean Shepard; John Conlee; Del McCoury Band

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; Mike Snider
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; T. Graham Brown; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Emmylou Harris (host); John Conlee; Del McCoury Band

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday December 4, 1993:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Ricky Skaggs (host): Heartbroke
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ricky Skaggs: Honey, Won't You Open that Door

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Monroe (host): Will You Be Loving Another Man
Wilma Lee Cooper: No One Now
Charlie Walker: Smoke; Smoke; Smoke
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Connie Smith: The Key's in the Mailbox
Bill Monroe: Tombstone Junction

7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down the Country
J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet: American Trilogy
Roger Francis: He Stopped Loving Her Today/Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain/He'll Have to Go/Today I Started Loving You Again/El Paso
Shotgun Red: Comedy
Stonewall Jackson: Life to Go
J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet: You'll Never Walk Alone
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
John Conlee: The Old School/Common Man
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Ragtime Annie
Porter Wagoner: The Old Log Cabin for Sale

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): On the Sea Shores of Old Mexico
Jan Howard: Oh, Lonesome Me
Jim Ed Brown: Fools
The Whites: Pins and Needles
The Four Guys: In the Middle of the Night
Hank Snow: That's When he Dropped the World in My Hand

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
The Whites: It's Not What You Know; It's Who You Know
The Four Guys: I Know; I Know
J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet: I'm a Poor, Poor, Rich Man/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/I Saw the Light/Let Us Have a Little Talk With Jesus

10:00: Little Debbie
Ricky Skaggs (host): I Wouldn't Change You If I Could
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Ricky Skaggs: You're Runnin' Wild

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Skeeter Davis: Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Roger Francis: He Stopped Loving Her Today/Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain/Hello Darling/But Love Me/
Grandpa Jones: Come and Dine

10:30: Piccadilly
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Connie Smith: You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me
Jim Ed and Maxine Brown: Looking Back to See

10:45: Opry Book
Bill Monroe (host): Get Up, John
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Dance all Night
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's A Comin'

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Snowbird
John Conlee: Domestic Life/Lifetime Guarantee
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Clinton Gregory: An Old Hard Time Blues
Hank Snow: Old Shep

11:30: General Jackson
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me and My Big Loud Mouth
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Charlie Walker: Silver Dew on the Bluegrass Tonight
Johnny Russell: Why Me Lord
Jimmy Dickens: There's No Place Like Home on Christmas

A few may ask, who was Roger Francis? He was a vocalist, musician and a very good impersonator who was featured on The Shotgun Red Variety Show on RFD-TV. Roger was born blind, entertained all over the United States, impersonating such artists as Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Buck Owens, Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, Freddie Fender and many, many more. As recently as 2017, he was still actively touring and performing.

Finally, back to the first year of the new Grand Ole Opry House, Saturday December 7, 1974, which was the first holiday season at the new Opry House:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Willis Brothers: Cool Water

6:45: Rudy's
George Morgan (host): In the Misty Moonlight
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Jim and Jesse: Love Is A Fading Rose
George Morgan: The Last Letter

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Drusky (host): Dixie Lily
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Mel Tillis: Memory Maker
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Mel Tillis: Midnight, Me and the Blues/Sawmill
Roy Drusky: One Day at a Time

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Stoney and Carol Lee Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
Herman Crook: Lost John
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin
Stoney and Carol Lee Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

8:00: Martha White
George Jones (host) and Tammy Wynette: We Go Together/Take Me to Your World
The Four Guys: What About Me
Lonzo and Oscar: Divorce #2
Patsy Sledd: Chip; Chip
George Jones: The Door
George Jones and Tammy Wynette: The Jet Set
The Four Guys: Country Lullaby
George Jones: White Lightening

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Dottie West: Lay Back Lover
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Hank Snow: Tammy/You're Easy to Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Release Me
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo and Oscar: Traces of Life
George Morgan: You Turn Me On
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Lonzo and Oscar: Crawdad Song

10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim and Jesse: Paradise/I Wish You Knew
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

10:15: Union 76
Roy Drusky (host): A Satisfied Mind
Mel Tills: I'll Come Back to You/Ruby, Don't Take Your Guns to Town
Roy Drusky: Red, Red Wine

10:30: Trailblazer
George Jones (host) and Tammy Wynette: We're Gonna Hold On
Tammy Wynette: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale that the Crow Told Me
George Jones: The Window Up Above
George Jones and Tammy Wynette: Let's All Go Down to the River

10:45: Beech-Nut
Stoney Cooper (host) and Carol Lee Cooper: Little Darling Pal of Mine
The Four Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Carol Lee Cooper: Rocky Top

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Dottie West: Lay Back Lover
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: Black  Diamond
Dottie West: The Bitter They Are, The Harder They Fall
Sam McGee: Columbus Stockade Blues
Hank Snow: On the Sea Shores of Old Mexico

11:30: Elm Hill
Justin Tubb (host): Rambling Man
Jeanne Pruett: Hold to My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need to Move a Mountain/Satin Sheets/Welcome to the Sunshine
Stu Phillips:There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ronnie Robbins: El Paso
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms

A couple of notes from that night: Jean Shepard was scheduled but cancelled. Also, that is not a misprint: Wilma Lee Cooper was not on that night and Carol Lee took her place. And finally, Skeeter Willis was absent that evening.

One thing I enjoyed during that period was Roy Acuff did not always sing Wabash Cannonball on the first show. Many times he would add variety to the early show, saving the Cannonball for the late show. It was a nice treat for those attending the late show to hear Roy sing his signature song. In his later years, it was always the Cannonball early.
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To finish up, the Tuesday Night Opry is back down to one show this week and here is the line-up for this coming Tuesday, December 11:

7:00: Riders In The Sky; Carly Pearce
7:30: Riley Green; Craig Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Lori McKenna & The Love Junkies; Luke Combs; Little Big Town

The Tuesday Night Opry will mark the Opry debut for Riley Green. Riley was born in Jacksonville, Alabama, where he was raised on the sounds of old traditional country, bluegrass, and southern gospel music. He learned the spirit of songwriting at a young age while spending time with his grandfather, Bufford Green, who ran Golden Saw Music Hall. Riley shared the stage with him and other men of his generation, laying a foundation for the songs he'd craft in the years to come, reflecting on the experiences of a young southern man trying to find his place in the world. With a mixture of outlaw-rebellion and respect for tradition, Riley's original music has already tallied over 27 million streams to date while his latest music video for "Bury Me in Dixie" has been viewed over a million times since last fall. Constantly touring throughout the southeast over the past five years to thousands of fans, Riley has also built fierce support on social media. Now signed to BMLG Records, he is in the studio recording new music with award winning music producer Dann Huff.


There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and I will add my personal observations on the weekend when I return.

Tuesday Opry December 4

The are two Opry shows on Tuesday, the regular Tuesday Night Opry and for the second week in a row, a holiday matinee. The line-ups for both shows are the same:

Tuesday December 4
Matinee
3:30: John Conlee; Levi Hummon
4:00: Darci Lynn; RaeLynn
Intermission
4:15: Connie Smith; Bobby Bones
4:45: Delta Rae; Del McCoury Band

Evening
7:00: John Conlee; Levi Hummon
7:30: Darci Lynn; RaeLynn
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Bobby Bones
8:45: Delta Rae; Del McCoury Band

December Opry Highlights

Where did 2018 go? I ask that question because we are now entering December, the final month of the year. In just a matter of weeks, it will be Christmas and the holiday season. As the Grand Ole Opry prepares to close out another year, here are the important dates and events that have taken place regarding the Opry, or Opry members, during the month of December:

December 2, 1889: Herman Crook was born. Herman was one of the Opry's original members, joining the show when it was still called the WSM Barn Dance. Herman's first Opry appearance was on July 24, 1926, and he was with the show until his death in June 1988, just short of 62 years. When he passed away, the Crook Brothers were the last of the originals on the Opry, and they never wavered from the traditional string band sound. As Roy Acuff said, "He loved country music, but he wanted it country. He didn't go for any of this rock n' roll type stuff."

December 14, 1899: DeFord Bailey was born. DeFord was another of the Opry's original members, making his first appearance on June 19, 1926. DeFord was there the night Opry founder George D. Hay changed the name of the show from the WSM Barn Dance to the Grand Ole Opry, and he played the first song on the newly named show. DeFord was with the Opry until he was fired in 1941, in a move that left DeFord very bitter. Despite repeated efforts by Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Bill Monroe, among others, DeFord stayed away from the Opry until returning on February 23, 1974, when he appeared for the Opry's first reunion show. DeFord would make several more Opry appearances before passing away in 1982. In 2005 he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 11, 1914: James Clell "Tex" Summey was born. Known professionally as Cousin Jody, he first came to the Opry with Roy Acuff in 1937, and he later worked with Pee Wee King and Lonzo & Oscar. He also performed as a solo act, until health issues forced him to retire. He passed away in 1975, and it should be noted that he was the first person to play the dobro and steel guitar on the Opry stage and he was the one who brought the original dobro sound with Roy Acuff.

December 19, 1920: Jimmy Dickens was born in Bolt, West Virginia. Jimmy first came to the Opry in 1948. While he left the show for a period of time, Jimmy returned to the Opry in 1975 and remained an Opry member until his death in January 2015. It is pretty safe to say that at the time of his death, Jimmy might have been the most beloved member of the Opry.

December 26, 1925: The WSM Barn Dance was formally listed for the first time on the WSM program schedule that was printed in the Nashville Tennessean. The listing read, "Because of this recent revival in the popularity of the old familiar tunes, WSM has arranged to have an hour or two every Saturday night starting Saturday December 26. Uncle Dave Macon, the oldest banjo picker in Dixie, and who comes from Readyville, Tennessee, and Uncle Jimmy Thompson of Martha, Tennessee, will answer any requests for old-time melodies."

December 10, 1927: While there seems to be some confusion as to the exact date, it would appear that his was the date that the WSM Barn Dance became known as the Grand Ole Opry. The Barn Dance came on the air at 8:00. In the hour prior to the start of the Barn Dance program, WSM aired a classical musical show on the NBC radio network called "Music Appreciation Hour." At the conclusion of the Music Hour show that particular night, Barn Dance founder George D. Hay announced, "For the past hour we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera; from now on we will present the Grand Ole Opry." While this is the story that was told by George D. Hay, there seem to be no independent verification of this event. In fact, some historians who have looked back at the WSM program schedules,  believe that the date was actually December 8, 1928, a year later, as the "Music Appreciation Hour" did not begin on WSM until that year. However, to back up the 1927 claim, others have pointed out that on December 11, 1927, the Nashville Tennessean used the word "Grand Ole Opry" in their editions of the paper. Either way, the new name stuck.

December 13, 1930: Grand Ole Opry member Buck White was born, Along with his daughters Sharon and Cheryl, The Whites have been Opry members since 1984. Most weekends will find Buck and his daughters performing on the Opry, and if asked, Buck will also dance with the square dancers. At the age of 88, Buck plays the piano as good as ever.

December 7, 1931: Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Osborne was born in Leslie County, Kentucky. Along with his brother Sonny, Bobby became an Opry member in 1964. At the age of 87, Bobby still appears on the Opry weekly and of course, always does "Rocky Top," sounding as good as ever.

December 7, 1940: After making several guest appearances during the month of November, this is the first date that Minnie Pearl is listed in the Opry program as a regular member of the Opry.

December 30, 1944: Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, appearing on the Prince Albert portion of the show that was broadcast on the NBC radio network. Minnie Pearl, who was there that night, remembered that a lady in the balcony was so excited that she fell out of the balcony onto the Ryman stage. And after Roy Acuff heard the electrified fiddles that Bob brought, he made the statement that the Opry would be ruined forever. What is interesting, that while Bob brought electrified fiddles with him, both Pee Wee King and Ernest Tubb had been playing electric instruments on the Opry previous to that night. There is another story from that night, regarding the use of drums and Bob being told to keep his drummer behind the curtain. Much like the electric fiddles, Bob's drummer was not the first to drum on the Opry, as Harold "Sticks" McDonald, a member of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys, had brought drums to the Opry several years prior. He supposedly used them for a couple of weeks until George D. Hay told Pee Wee to take the drums home and leave them there. While that may be true, within a few years, many of the Opry's acts included drums.

December 8, 1945: Earl Scruggs made his Grand Ole Opry debut as a member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. He was the final member to join what many consider the greatest of Bill's many renditions of the Blue Grass Boys, and what many feel was the greatest bluegrass band ever. That group included Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise and Harold Watts. This group would only stay together until 1948. After leaving Bill's group, Earl would team up with Lester Flatt, before moving on to play a more progressive sound with his sons.

December 12, 1959: While performing on the Opry, Bill Monroe was served with divorce papers from his wife, Carolyn Brown. She charged that Bill was having an affair with his bass player, Bessie Lee Mauldin. The story goes that Carolyn was waiting for Bill outside the Opry that night and when he came out the Ryman's back door, she really laid into him.

December 24, 1960: The final Prince Albert Grand Ole Opry show was broadcast on the NBC network. The decline of radio and the rise of television led to the decision to end the Opry's broadcasts. Hank Snow was the host for that final broadcast, and I am happy to say that I have a recording of that show.

December 3, 1961: "Doctor" Lew Childre passed away. Lew, who was born in 1901, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1945. He remained with the Opry through most of the 1950's.

December 6, 1964: The Grand Ole Opry fired 12 of its members for failing to meet the required number of yearly appearances on the show. The Nashville Tennessean wrote, "Twelve top country and western stars will not appear on the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, and have been prohibited from using the Opry name in their outside billings, it was learned yesterday. Another entertainer, long-time favorite Minnie Pearl, has been given a leave of absence from the show for the coming year, but will continue to use the Opry billing in her present contracts," a WSM spokesman said. Those who were dismissed from the Opry were George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, the Jordanaires, Faron Young, Ferlin Husky, Chet Atkins, Justin Tubb, Stonewall Jackson and Ray Price. It was later found that Chet Atkins was not an actual Opry member, which led to some comments concerning if the Opry's management really knew what was going on at the show. At the time, Opry members were required to appear 26 times per year. Many of those fired would later return to the show as members, including George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb and Stonewall Jackson, while Minnie Pearl would return after her leave of absence. While never rejoining the cast, the remaining ones would appear on the show as guest artists.

December 23, 1967: Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jack started as a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours before going on to a very successful solo career. Jack would remain an Opry member until his death in 2013.

December 14, 1973: Lorrie Morgan, age 14, made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Lorrie was brought on stage by her father, Opry member George Morgan. She sang "Paper Roses." A decade later, Lorrie would become an Opry member.

December 15, 1973: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis was suspended by the Opry's management for comments she had made the previous Saturday night while performing on the Opry. As Skeeter said, "Hank Williams got kicked off the Opry for drinkin' too much old wine. Me? I got kicked off for singing about the new wine." What actually happened was that Skeeter was on her way to the Ryman Auditorium for an Opry appearance when she witnessed the arrest of what were known as "Jesus Freaks," which was another name for the young people who were protesting not only in Nashville, but around the country. The arrests enraged Skeeter and on the Opry, she expressed her rage by talking about it, singing about it, and weeping about it. When she came off the stage after performing, she faced an angry Opry management. She was told that she was no longer considered an Opry member. Happily for all, and especially for Skeeter, she was invited back to the Opry 18 months later.

December 29, 1973: Opry member Tex Ritter made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. Tex, who had joined the Opry in 1965, would pass away after suffering a heart attack, the following week.

December 25, 1976: Larry, Steve and Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 42nd year as Opry members, and according to my records, the only members to join the cast on Christmas day. In addition to their Opry appearances, Larry Gatlin serves as host of the Opry Country Classics show held in the Spring and Fall at the Ryman Auditorium.

December 27, 1978: Grand Ole Opry member Bob Luman passed away at the age of 41. Bob joined the Opry in 1965 and was known for his rockabilly sound that was very popular with many of the Opry's younger fans. While some on the Opry felt Bob's music had too much rock in it, he was a popular member of the cast and enjoyed great support. His last Grand Ole Opry appearance was on Saturday December 2, 1978, while Friday December 15 was his final Friday Night Opry appearance.

December 8, 1982: Marty Robbins passed away in a Nashville hospital at the age of 57. Probably the Opry's most popular member, he was famous for hosting the 11:30 segment when he was in town, and making the last half hour of the Opry his own, often performing well past the traditional midnight sign off time. Just that previous October, Marty had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 20, 1986: Randy Travis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Randy's 32nd year as an Opry member. Randy had a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s, and helped to bring back a more traditional sound to country music. Sadly, Randy has suffered a serious of health setbacks and will probably never perform on the Opry again. However, he has visited the show several times in the past couple of years, and he always receives a great audience response when introduced on stage. Randy is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 17, 1993: Herman Harper, the famous and very popular bass singer for the Carol Lee Singers, passed away. Herman had been a member of the Oak Ridge Boys back in the day when they were considered one of the country's top gospel acts.

December 24, 1994: Vic Willis was scheduled to perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. The Willis Brothers, originally known as the Oklahoma Wranglers, came to the Opry in 1946. After leaving in 1949 to tour with Eddy Arnold, they returned in 1957. In addition to Vic, the group included brothers Guy and Skeeter. Skeeter had passed away in 1976, while Guy retired in 1979 due to health issues. Vic continued on, forming the Vic Willis Trio, until he passed away early in 1995 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

December 30, 1994: Grand Ole Gospel Time, which followed the Friday Night Opry and hosted by Reverend Jimmie Snow, Hank's son, was broadcast for the final time. The show was taped on Friday night and broadcast on WSM Sunday mornings. Airing for 23 years, the show would feature a number of Grand Ole Opry performers including Connie Smith, Billy Walker and Roy Acuff, and feature such guests as Johnny Cash and Dennis Weaver.

December 19, 1999: Former Grand Ole Opry member Marion Worth passed away at the age of 69. Marion joined the Opry in 1963, and while never a superstar, she was very entertaining and a fan favorite. She left the Opry cast in 1980, when she went into semi-retirement.

December 20, 1999: The legendary Hank Snow passed away at his Rainbow Ranch in Madison, Tennessee after a period of declining health. Hank joined the Opry in January 1950 and was just weeks shy of 50 years of Opry membership. Hank last appeared on the Opry in September 1996, and is considered one of the all-time Opry greats.

December 16, 2000: Brad Paisley was surprised on stage by Jimmy Dickens and Jeannie Seely, in a segment hosted by Bill Anderson. Jimmy & Jeannie were dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the reason for the surprise visit was the delivery of an invitation for Brad to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Brad tearfully accepted and the following February he would officially join the cast.

December 30, 2000: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Skeeter, who had been battling various illnesses, would enter a period of declining health that made it difficult for her to continue performing. Skeeter passed away in December 2004. Additionally, after being notified the previous month that he was being terminated, this was the final night that Jerry Strobel was employed as the Opry House manager. Jerry had worked at the Opry for over 30 years.

December 21, 2001: Josh Turner made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. His debut song was "Long Black Train" after which Josh received a standing ovation. Over the next several years, Josh would make dozens and dozens of guest appearances, until finally becoming a member in October 2008.

December 31, 2002: Grand Ole Opry member Jim McReynolds, one half of Jim & Jesse, passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee after a long illness. Jim & Jesse, along with the Virginia Boys, became Opry members in March 1964, and are considered one of the greatest acts in bluegrass music history.

December 30, 2006: The Grand Ole Opry's 2nd Saturday night show concluded at midnight for the final time. The following week, both Saturday Grand Ole Opry shows were cut to 2 hours, with the late show ending at 11:30.

December 13, 2013: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie was honored for 20 years of Opry membership. Joining Joe on the Opry that evening were Opry members Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley.

December 20, 2014: Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy Dickens made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. On Christmas Day, Jimmy was admitted to a Nashville hospital and would pass away shortly after the first of the year. Jimmy's final song? "Out Behind the Barn."

December 11, 2015: Grand Ole Opry member Mel Tillis made his final Opry appearance on the Friday Night Opry. Mel, who joined the Opry in 2007, entered a period of declining health after the first of the year, that would ultimately lead to his passing in November 2017.

December 30, 2016: During a guest appearance on the Friday Night Opry, Marty Stuart, with help from John Carter Cash, surprised Dailey & Vincent with an invitation to become the Opry's newest members. This was also the 100th guest appearance for Dailey & Vincent. Their actual Opry induction would take place the following March.

December 1, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart celebrated his 25th anniversary as member of the Opry. Helping Marty celebrate were Connie Smith, Charlie Worsham, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dallas Frazier, Kenny Lovelace, Marty's mother Hilda, and the Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers.

December 31, 2017: Longtime Grand Ole Opry announcer, and WSM personality, Haril Hensley passed away. Haril was a WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer for 35 years, joining the station in 1972. He was a member of the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame.

There you have it for the final month of the year. As usual at the Opry, there was a lot of activity during the month.

Grand Ole Opry 11/30 & 12/1

Who else finds it hard to believe that Saturday is December 1st? Next thing you know, we will be celebrating 2019. I don't know about anyone else, but this year seemed to go very fast.

Before getting into the four shows for this weekend, a note regarding Joe Diffie. As most of you know, Joe was scheduled to work both shows on Tuesday in celebration of his 25th anniversary as an Opry member. However, due to the death of his father on Saturday, Joe cancelled those appearances. Our thoughts go to Joe and his family and like everyone else, I look forward to seeing Joe back on the Opry soon.

Some have asked about Jesse McReynolds. Jessie's wife Joy has posted that Jesse is back in the hospital for a few days to be treated with some antibiotics to help him regain his strength. He is doing fine, they just want to help him get back to where he was.

As to the shows this weekend, it is nice to see full line-ups for both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, with two shows each night. Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for all four shows include Hall of Fame member Connie Smith, John Conlee, Mike Snider, and Jeannie Seely. Bill Anderson is scheduled for the early show on Friday and both shows on Saturday, while The Whites are set for both shows Friday and Bobby Osborne for both shows Saturday.

There is a very nice group of guest artists scheduled for this weekend, with the highlight being Kathy Mattea scheduled for all four shows. I have said it before, and I will go on record again as I really believe that Kathy would make a great member of the Grand Ole Opry. She signs great country music and always enjoys herself when appearing on the Opry. And with the shortage of female members, three is no reason why she should not be asked to join.

Appearing with Kathy on Friday night will be Michael Tyler, veteran and frequent Opry guest Darryl Worley, Dom Flemons, Mickey Guyton and Crowder. Saturday's guest list, besides Kathy Mattea, includes The Quebe Sisters, John Berry, Tracy Lawrence and Keb' Mo'. It is really nice to see Tracy back on the Opry. After making many appearances last year, he has only appeared on the Opry several times in 2018.

Friday November 30
1st show
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Michael Tyler; Mike Snider
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Darryl Worley; Dom Flemons
8:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Kathy Mattea
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mickey Guyton; Crowder

2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Michael Tyler; The Whites
10:00: Connie Smith (host); Darryl Worley; Dom Flemons
10:30: John Conlee (host); Kathy Mattea
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mickey Guyton; Crowder

Saturday December 1
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; The Quebe Sisters
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Kathy Mattea; John Berry
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Tracy Lawrence; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Keb' Mo'

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; The Quebe Sisters
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Kathy Mattea; John Berry
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Tracy Lawrence; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Keb' Mo'
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from the final weekend in November ten years ago, the weekend of November 28 & 29, 2008:

Friday November 28
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; John Conlee; Buddy Jewell
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Dailey & Vincent
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Stonewall Jackson; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Charlie Daniels Band
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Darius Rucker

Saturday November 29
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Melonie Cannon
7:30: Charley Pride (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; The Whites
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Bar D Wranglers; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); John Conlee; Restless Heart

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Melonie Cannon
10:00: Charley Pride (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jack Greene
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Bar D Wranglers; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); John Conlee; Restless Heart

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday November 27, 1993, which was also the night that Joe Diffie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Brother Oswald
6:45: Jack Greene (host); Bill Carlisle; Jeanne Pruett
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis; Collin Peterson; Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Joe Diffie; Jean Shepard; Alison Krauss
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Billy Walker; Jeannie Seely; Charlie Louvin; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; The Whites; The Four Guys

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson; The Whites; The Four Guys; Billy Walker
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Alison Krauss; Michael Cleveland
10:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jeannie Seely; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Joe Diffie; Jeanne Pruett; Mike Snider
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Charlie Louvin; Jack Greene; Johnny Russell
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Finally, while never becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry, country music superstar Tim McGraw made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday November 30, 2002. Let's go back and look at that line-up from 16 years ago:

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue of a Fool
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

7:00: Gutter Guard/Standard Candy
Brad Paisley (host): Wrapped Around
Pinmonkey: Barbed Wire and Roses/I Drove all Night
Brad Paisley: Jingle Bells/Silent Night/I Wish You'd Stay
Tim McGraw: Sing Me Home/Don't Take the Girl/Unwound
T. Graham Brown: I Tell it Like it Used to Be/Turn the Wine into Water/Darlene
Brad Paisley: I'm Gonna Miss Her

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me
Jeannie Seely: Winter Wonderland
Doyle Dykes: Wabash Cannonball/O Holy Night
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Porter Wagoner: The Carroll County Accident

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Bill Anderson (host): Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Mountain Heart: A Road I've Been Down/Real Time
Bill Anderson: Christmas In Your Arms

2nd show
9:30: Tootsie's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Jack Greene: Try a Little Kindness/Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
T. Graham Brown: I Tell it Like it Used to Be/Turn the Wine into Water
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Osborne Brothers: Lonesome Feeling/Rocky Top
Tim McGraw: Sing Me Home/Don't Take the Girl/Unwound/Everywhere

10:30: WSM online.com/Wildhorse Saloon
Jimmy C Newman (host): Allons A Lafayette
Jan Howard: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Doyle Dykes: Wabash Cannonball/O Holy Night
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snowflake Reel

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Liars 1; Believers 0
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep
Vince Gill: Look at Us
Pinmonkey: Barbed Wire and Roses/I Drove all Night
Bill Anderson; A Lot of Things Different

11:30: Tootsie's
Jeannie Seely (host): Anytime
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Mountain Heart: The Grand Tour/Lee Highway Blues
Jeannie Seely: Today I Started Loving You Again

There you have it for this week. Welcome to December and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.