It was reported this morning that long time Grand Ole Opry Staff Band member Jimmy Capps had passed away at the age of 81.
Jimmy Capps was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He began playing the guitar at an early age, as well as listening to the Grand Ole Opry. By the age of 12, he was being featured on various radio stations in the North Carolina area.
In 1958, he had the opportunity to audition for the Louvin Brothers. According to Jimmy, "When I auditioned for my job with the Louvin Brothers, their current 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 Louvin. So I went to Burlington, N.C. 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 seemed to like me okay. But their guitar player noticed I didn't use a thumbpick...he then asked me if I could play "Malaguena"? I told him, "No I couldn't".
Charlie Louvin spoke up and said, "Well ... Ira and I very seldom sing "Malaguena" anymore ... so, we're gonna hire you anyway! Thanks to Charlie ... I guess I owe my whole career to him. That one split-second decision that he made is the reason I am here. That decision made all the difference in my life."
Jimmy Capps made his first appearance backing up the Louvin Brothers on the Grand Ole Opry in 1958 and in 1967, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry Staff Band. Since then there have been many changes in the Staff Band, but Jimmy always survived the changes.
In addition to his work on the Opry, Jimmy was a noted studio musicians who played on over 250 recordings. Among the hits were "Stand By Your Man," "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "The Gambler," "The Rose," "16th Avenue," "Elvira," "Here In The Real World," and the list goes on and on and on. It's hard to find a hit record out of Nashville that Jimmy was not a part of.
Jimmy was the recipient of numerous awards over the years and was featured on many television shows, including over 20 CMA Award Shows, Country's Family Reunion, and more recently as the guitar playing sheriff on Larry's Country Diner.
Recently, Jimmy wrote his autobiography, The Man In Back, and the musicians room at the Grand Ole Opry was named in his honor. The only award missing was election to the Country Music Hall of Fame and I am sure that will come sooner rather than later.
Jimmy Capps was truly a legend and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and close friends.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Monday, June 1, 2020
June Opry Highlights
Welcome to the month of June and Summer! June has always been a pretty busy month for the Grand Ole Opry and here are the highlights and important events that have taken place regarding the Opry or its members, during this month.
June 17, 1910: Clyde Julian Foley was born in Blue Lick, Kentucky. Better known as Red, he joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946, replacing Roy Acuff as the host of the Prince Albert portion of the show. He stayed at the Opry until 1954 when he left Nashville and went to Springfield, Missouri as the host of the Ozark Jubilee. When Red came to the Opry, it was specifically to host the Prince Albert portion and as such, he did not appear on any other segments of the Opry.
June 19, 1914: Lester Flatt was born in Overton County, Tennessee. Lester would become famous as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, then later teaming up with Earl Scruggs in the highly successful Flatt & Scruggs duo. After a very successful run, Lester and Earl split due to creative differences, with Lester favoring a more traditional bluegrass sound. He then formed the Nashville Grass and continued with that group, and at the Opry, until his death in 1979. While on the Opry, Lester traditionally hosted the Martha White portion of the show.
June 17, 1916: David Akeman, better known as Stringbean, was born in Anniville, Kentucky. Stringbean had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for years, and was famous for his comedy and banjo playing. However, it was his role on Hee Haw that brought Stringbean his greatest fame to a national audience. Stringbean died in November 1973 when he, along with his wife Estelle, were murdered upon returning home from an Opry appearance.
June 28, 1924: George Morgan was born in Waverly, Tennessee. George spent several years in Ohio, specifically the Barberton area before becoming a star on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. In 1948 he came to Nashville and the Opry, as the replacement for Eddy Arnold, who had recently left the show. George would remain a popular Opry member until his death in 1975. On a historical note, it was George who hosted the final segment of the Friday Night Opry prior to the move to the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974. George, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is also the father of current Opry member Lorrie Morgan.
June 19, 1926: DeFord Bailey made his debut on the WSM Barn Dance. DeFord was a member of the Grand Ole Opry until he was fired by Opry founder George D. Hay in 1941. His song, "Pan American Blues" would often be the opening number on the Opry's early broadcasts. After he was fired from the Opry, DeFord remained bitter toward WSM and the Opry for many years, and declined several invitations to come back and perform on the Opry. Finally, on February 23, 1974, he returned to the Opry for the Old-Timer's Night. He was introduced by Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl and received a great ovation. He would return for several more Opry appearances, making his final appearance in April 1982, several months prior to his death.
June 2, 1927: Carl Butler was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Along with his wife Pearl, Carl had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music, "Don't Let Me Cross Over." Carl and Pearl were members of the Grand Ole Opry for several years in the early 1960's. He passed away in 1992.
June 23, 1929: Valarie June Carter was born in Maces Springs, Virginia. She, along with sisters Anita and Helen, and their mother Maybelle, came to the Opry in 1950. While June was not much of a singer, she was a fine comedian and often teamed with Rod Brasfield and Jimmy Dickens. June left the Opry in the 1960s, but would return on occasion with her famous husband, Johnny Cash. June made one last Opry appearance in July 1999.
June 12, 1936: Dr. Humphrey Bate, founder and leader of the Possum Hunters, died at the age of 61. Following Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Dr. Bate is considered the Opry's 2nd original member. In fact, many historians feel that he may actually have been the first rural performer to have been featured on WSM. Either way, Dr. Bate and the Possum Hunters were an important part of the Opry and his contributions are often overlooked.
June 13, 1936: Because of the size of the crowds, the Opry moved to the Dixie Tabernacle, located on Fatherland Street in East Nashville. While sounding impressive, the Tabernacle was actually a very primitive facility with wooden benches, sawdust floors and no dressing rooms. It was basically an old barn that had sides which were opened during the summer to keep the air flowing thru. However, it did seat 3,500 and contributed to the growth of the Opry.
June 5, 1937: Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Pee Wee was one of the first professional entertainers to join the show and he helped to bring a more professional look to the Opry as his Golden West Cowboys were one of the sharpest looking groups around. Pee Wee and the Opry's founder, George D. Hay had many disagreements as the founder felt that Pee Wee's group was not country enough. As mentioned, Pee Wee brought a lot of professionalism to the show including being the first act to be introduced with entry and exit music. Pee Wee stayed at the Opry for a number of years before leaving and moving to Louisville, Kentucky to work in television. He had a successful show that aired live in several markets including Louisville, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Chicago. Later becoming famous for the "Tennessee Waltz." Pee Wee would continue to make guest appearances on the Opry. His autobiography, "Hell-Bent for Music" is excellent and I highly recommend the book.
June 25, 1940: Republic Pictures released the movie "Grand Ole Opry" which starred Roy Acuff, George D. Hay and Uncle Dave Macon. It was considered a basic movie for the times and while it was no means an academy award winner, it offers a great look at an early Roy Acuff. Copies can still be found online.
June 5, 1943: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the Ryman Auditorium, which would become known as "The Mother Church of Country Music." The Opry would stay at the Ryman until March 1974, and since 1999 has made annual winter visits back. Many consider the Opry's years at the Ryman as the golden years of the Opry and the show had tremendous growth while at the Ryman. While many were sad to see the Opry leave in 1974, deteriorating conditions in the building and in downtown Nashville made the move a necessity.
June 6, 1944: D-Day and the day that Grant Turner began working at WSM radio. Grant, who would become known as the "Dean" of Opry announcers, would remain at WSM and the Opry until his death in October 1991. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, also hosted served as an announcer for the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, and did the Opry's warm-up show.
June 17, 1944: The Poe Sisters, Ruth and Nellie, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Their idols were the Delmore Brothers, and George D. Hay would often refer to them as the "female Delmore Brothers." The Poe Sisters performed regionally in the Northeast before coming to Nashville and the Opry. However, their time at the Opry was very short. They originally left the Opry in 1945 when Ruth got married. They were gone for a few months, then came back, however in August 1946 they left again, this time for good.
June 17, 1944: On the same night as the Poe Sisters, Rod Brasfield made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
June 11, 1949: Hank Williams made his Grand Ole Opry debut. The performance was one for the ages as Hank was called back for a reported six encores, an Opry record that still stands to this day. The song that inspired the encores was "Lovesick Blues." Jimmy Dickens, who was there that night, would often say that it was the greatest Opry performance he had ever seen.
June 19, 1953: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jean Shepard made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Jean eventually joined the Opry in November 1955, and in 2015 became the only female in the history of the Grand Ole Opry to become a 60 year member of the cast.
June 12, 1954: Ferlin Husky became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ferlin would stay as an Opry member until December 1964 when he was fired for failing to make the required number of Opry appearances. Like a few of the others who were terminated, Ferlin would not rejoin the cast but would return for guest appearances.
June 1, 1957: As part of the youth movement that was taking place at the Opry, the Everly Brothers became Opry members. The Everly Brothers did not stay long however, as they were destined for bigger and better things.
June 18, 1957: It was announced that Jimmy Dickens, who had joined the Opry in 1948, was leaving the Grand Ole Opry. According to Jimmy, "WSM would not let me work on a personal appearance tour on the Phillip Morris show and remain on the Opry. I enjoyed my eight year association with WSM and the Opry and I have nothing but good feelings toward everybody at the Opry." Jimmy would return as a member of the Opry in 1975.
June 13, 1959: Roy Drusky became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Roy came to Nashville and the Opry from Atlanta, Georgia and would remain an Opry member until his death in September 2004. In my opinion, Roy had one of the smoothest voices in country music and was a terrific ballad singer.
June 27, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn Morgan, better known as Lorrie, was born. And no, she was not named after Loretta Lynn. Does anyone else find it hard to believe that Lorrie is turning 61 this year?
June 14, 1961: Opry member Patsy Cline was seriously injured in an automobile accident in Nashville. It would take Patsy almost eight months to recover from the injuries, which left a scar on her forehead. Because of that scar, Patsy would wear a wig just about ever time she performed after that accident.
June 29, 1963: Jim Reeves made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jim joined the Opry in 1955, coming to Nashville from the Louisiana Hayride. At the time he left the Opry, Jim felt that he had outgrown the show and was already moving toward a more uptown, contemporary sound.
June 8, 1964: Alton Delmore died at the age of 55 in Huntsville, Alabama. The Delmore Brothers were early members of the Opry, performing on the show in the 1930's. Their influence would carry on for many years and in 2001 they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 12, 1965: Tex Ritter became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. When Tex joined the cast, he was at the tail end of his great western movie career and many wondered why Tex would want to come to Nashville and be a part of the Opry. Tex surprised everyone, becoming one of the Opry's more popular members and becoming very involved in the Nashville community. For a period of time, he co-hosted the overnight radio program with Ralph Emery on WSM. Tex, who was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964, was one of the early leaders and founding members of the Country Music Association and his wife was considered one of the Opry's ambassadors. Tex passed away from a heart attack in January 1974.
June 20, 1965: Ira Louvin, the older brother of Charlie Louvin and one half of the duo, the Louvin Brothers, was killed in an automobile accident. One of the greatest duos in country music history, the Louvin Brothers were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
June 11, 1966: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely made her Opry debut. Jeannie would become an Opry member the following year, in September 1967, and is still an active member today, performing on the Opry most weekends, where she generally will be seen hosting segments.
June 25, 1966: Grand Ole Opry member Willie Nelson made his final appearance as a member of the Opry. Willie joined the Opry in November 1964, but things were not working out well for Willie in Nashville, so he left for his home state of Texas. While in Texas, Willie developed a new look and sound and became one of the biggest acts in the history of country music. While never coming back to the Opry as a member, Willie has made several guest appearances.
June 1, 1967: Stu Phillips became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Stu's 53rd year as an Opry member, and along with Hank Snow and Terri Clark, are the only two Opry members to join the cast from Canada. While June 1st is recognized as the date Stu joined, Stu did not make his first appearance as an Opry member until June 17. Stu's last Grand Ole Opry appearance was several years ago when he was recognized for 50 years of Opry membership.
June 28, 1974: Former Beatles member Paul McCarthy is introduced on the stage of the Opry by Roy Acuff. Paul did not perform but was visiting Nashville as part of a vacation with his family.
June 28, 1975: On that same night, Grand Ole Opry member George Morgan made his final Opry appearance. Included on the show that night was his daughter Lorrie, and they performed a duet together, "Smile for Me." Shortly afterwards, George passed away after suffering a heart attack.
June 17, 1978: Marty Robbins drove his new custom-made Panther Deville onto the stage of the Opry. In a moment of good humor, Roy Acuff found a security guard who wrote out a parking ticket to Marty.
June 20, 1980: Boxcar Willie made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Boxcar would later become a member of the Opry.
June 27, 1981: Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, better known as The Whites, made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Several years later, this popular group from Texas would become Opry members.
June 19, 1982: Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 38th year as Opry members. They remain the only members of the Opry keeping the sound of western music alive on the Opry stage.
June 26, 1982: Opry member B.J. Thomas, who had joined the cast just a year earlier, made his final Saturday night appearance as an Opry member. B.J., who would make his final Friday night appearance later in August, realized that being an Opry member just wasn't what he thought it would be. While he gave up his Opry membership, he would continue to make an occasional Opry appearance.
June 9, 1984: Following in the footsteps of her father, Lorrie Morgan became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Lorrie's 36th year as a member. Lorrie made her Opry debut at the age of 13, singing "Paper Roses."
June 18, 1984: Former Grand Ole Opry member Paul Howard passed away at the age of 75 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Paul joined the Opry in 1942 with his group, the Arkansas Cotton Pickers. The group included Grady Martin and Hank Garland and specialized in western music. Paul stayed with the Opry though the 1940's. He did return later for several of the Opry's reunion shows.
June 20, 1986: Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah, died at the age of 85. Whitey joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1942 and remained a member of the Opry until 1959, when he left to pursue other career opportunities. Like others who left the cast, Whitey would return for numerous appearances. Along with Minnie Pearl, Whitey was the featured comedian on the Prince Albert shows before he was replaced by Rod Brasfield. After Rod joined, Whitey was shifted to other segments. In 1986, the year he died, Whitey was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 4, 1988: Herman Crook, the last living link to the start of the WSM Barn Dance and the Grand Ole Opry, performed on the Opry for the final time. Herman was a part of the Opry for 62 years, first appearing in 1926. Herman was a harmonica player and was a part of the Crook Brothers, the last true string band to appear on the Opry. Over the years, the Possum Hunters, Gully Jumpers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers would disappear, with members from those groups merged into the others, until only the Crook Brothers were left. Herman passed away the following week on June 10, after which the Crook Brothers name would disappear from the Opry line-ups.
June 10, 1988: Ricky Van Shelton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Now retired, this will be Ricky's 32nd year as a member of the Opry's cast.
June 11, 1988: Patty Loveless became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. At one time, Patty was a part of the Wilburn Brother's television show and performed as part of Porter Wagoner's show. Many times she has talked about how much Porter helped and influenced her career. And on the night she joined, it was Porter who inducted her. I don't know about anyone else, but I find it hard to believe that Patty has been an Opry member for 32 years.
June 11, 1988: On the same night that Patty Loveless became an Opry member, future Opry member Holly Dunn made her Opry debut.
June 24, 1989: Garth Brooks made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Garth would become an Opry member the following year.
June 2, 1990: Mike Snider became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 30th year as an Opry member. Mike is a great comedian and also a great banjo player and leads a string band that plays the type of music that the Opry was founded on. In fact, these days Mike is much more serious about the music than the comedy.
June 7, 1991: Alan Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Alan's 29th year as an Opry member. Alan, who is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, rarely visits the Opry.
June 14, 1991: Future Grand Ole Opry member Clint Black made his Opry debut.
June 15, 1991: Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl made her last appearance associated with an Opry sponsored show. That night she performed in Joliet, Illinois. Several days later, she suffered a massive stroke that ended her performing days.
June 6, 1992: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall made his final appearance on the Opry. Tom originally joined the cast in 1971, left in March 1974 when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House, then rejoined the cast in 1980. That decade saw Tom T. make a steady stream of Opry appearances. After he stopped appearing, he told several people that he would not be coming back. Tom T. Hall, who continues to live in the Nashville area, has been retired from performing for several years now.
June 3, 1994: The Ryman Auditorium reopened for the first time since the building was renovated as Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion was broadcast live from the auditorium. After the Opry left in 1974, the building sat basically empty, with the public being allowed in for self guided tours. After a performance and live album by Emmylou Harris, Gaylord Entertainment saw the value and importance of renovating the building. It is now one of Nashville's great treasures and one of the best decisions that Gaylord ever made.
June 3, 1994: Former Grand Ole Opry member Wally Fowler passed away at the age of 77. Wally came to Nashville in 1948 with his Oak Ridge Quartet and was a part of the Opry until 1950. During the time they were at the Opry, the Oak Ridge Quartet was featured on the Prince Albert portion of the show and Wally would many times host the final Opry segment. Over time, the Oak Ridge Quartet would become the Oak Ridge Boys, and the focus of the group would go from gospel to country. By then, Wally had long left the group. Coming full circle, the Oak Ridge Boys have become Opry members.
June 4, 1994: Former Opry member Zeke Clements died at the age of 82. Zeke came to the Opry in the 1930's as a member of the Bronco Busters, which were led by Texas Ruby. When the Opry began the annual reunion shows in the 1970s, Zeke would return and appear on several of the shows.
June 17, 1994: Sarah Wilson of Sarie and Sallie, who were Opry members from 1934-1939, passed away at the age of 97. And yes, they were really sisters, Edna Wilson and Margaret Waters.
June 23, 1995: Current WSM personality and Grand Ole Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs became an Opry announcer.
June 14, 1997: Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made her final appearance as a performer on the Opry. Barbara retired from performing and asked Opry management if she could keep her Opry management, which they agreed to. While not knowing it at the time, this started a trend where retired Opry members were allowed to continue to be Opry members.
June 29, 1999: Pete Fisher became the general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, the first person hired specifically for that position. Pete would remain with the Opry until January 2017 when he left to become the head of the Academy of Country Music. Pete left that position last year and recently has returned to Nashville and has opened his own consulting business.
June 10, 2000: The Grand Ole Opry introduced a new Opry backdrop. The new state of the art lighting replaced the old red barn that had been used in various forms since the Opry moved to the Opry House in 1974. It was reported at the time that the old backdrop was being donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame, however if it has, it has never been put on display.
June 17, 2000: The Opry begins streaming shows live on the internet, giving those around the world an opportunity to listen to the show live. For many, it was the first chance to hear the show without static interference.
June 9, 2001: Grand Ole Opry member Jeanne Pruett made her final scheduled appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Jeanne made the decision to retire as an active performer. While she is retired, Jeanne has been known to show up at the Opry on occasion and also to come out on stage and wave to the audience.
June 14, 2003: While Trace Adkins was making a guest appearance on the Opry, Jimmy Dickens came out with a ladder, climbed it and asked Trace if he would like to become a member of the Opry's cast. Trace, of course, said yes, and was inducted several months later.
June 21, 2003: Longtime Grand Ole Opry member Roy Drusky made his final appearance on the show. Roy Drusky passed away just over a year later, on September 23, 2004 as a result of lung cancer.
June 12, 2004: Terri Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 16th year as an Opry member, and was the third person from Canada to join the cast, following in the footsteps of Hank Snow and Stu Phillips.
June 10, 2005: Carrie Underwood made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She was the recent winner of that year's American Idol. Carrie became an Opry member in May 2008.
June 9, 2007: Mel Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, being introduced on the Opry's stage by his daughter Pam. While officially becoming a member in 2007, Mel had actually been a part of the Opry before, as a member of Porter Wagoner's Wagonmasters and there is a belief that Mel was actually asked to become an individual member during that same time period, accepted but then backed out. He even made it into one edition of the Opry's History Picture Book as a member. However, it wasn't until 2007 that it became official. Mel remained a popular and loyal member of the Opry until passing away in November 2017.
June 6, 2008: The Four Guys made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, in what would prove to be their final Opry appearance. They had been fired from the Opry in 2000 as all of the original members of the group had moved on or retired. They were introduced that night by Bill Anderson and received a nice response from the audience.
June 28, 2008: This was the final night that the Grand Ole Opry began its Saturday night first show at 6:30. The following week, the show was scheduled for 7:00, where it has been since. The show length was also cut 30 minutes, down to a two hours show.
June 23, 2009: Montgomery Gentry became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Since the death of Troy Gentry, Eddie Montgomery has continued as a solo member of the Opry, and this will be his 12th year as an Opry member. At the time, the duo were brought to the show upon the recommendation of fellow Opry member Charlie Daniels, who had joined the cast the previous year.
June 15, 2013: Patty Loveless was honored upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill was the host for the segment, which finished with "Go Rest High On That Mountain." A great moment and night at the Opry.
June 6, 2014: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C Newman made his final Opry appearance. Jimmy joined the Opry in 1948. He passed away several weeks later.
June 11, 2015: Grand Ole Opry member, and newly elected Country Music Hall of Fame member, Jim Ed Brown passed away. Jim Ed had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years and had one of the great voices in country music.
June 19, 2015: Garth Brooks made a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, his first Opry appearance since he inducted Carrie Underwood as an Opry member in 2008, and his first singing appearance on the Opry since 2005. He was joined by his wife Trisha Yearwood.
June 23, 2016: Grand Ole Opry member Ralph Stanley passed away after a period of declining health. Ralph joined the Opry cast in 2000. Along with his brother Carter, Ralph made his mark in bluegrass, performing as The Stanley Brothers. Many believe that The Stanley Brothers deserve consideration for the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 4, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Stu Phillips was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. Stu joined the Opry on June 1, 1967. As part of this appearance, Stu gave a very emotional tribute to those who had helped him during his career. That evening was Stu's final appearance at the Opry as it appears that he is now enjoying retirement.
June 10, 2018: The Grand Ole Opry went on the road with a special Sunday Night Opry at the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Among the acts performing were Opry members Del McCoury, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bobby Bare, Riders In The Sky, and the Opry Square Dancers.
June 11, 2019: Luke Combs was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. John Conlee, Chris Janson and Craig Morgan did the honors. Luke's official induction would take place in July.
As I said, June has been a busy month in the history of the Grand Ole Opry.
June 17, 1910: Clyde Julian Foley was born in Blue Lick, Kentucky. Better known as Red, he joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946, replacing Roy Acuff as the host of the Prince Albert portion of the show. He stayed at the Opry until 1954 when he left Nashville and went to Springfield, Missouri as the host of the Ozark Jubilee. When Red came to the Opry, it was specifically to host the Prince Albert portion and as such, he did not appear on any other segments of the Opry.
June 19, 1914: Lester Flatt was born in Overton County, Tennessee. Lester would become famous as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, then later teaming up with Earl Scruggs in the highly successful Flatt & Scruggs duo. After a very successful run, Lester and Earl split due to creative differences, with Lester favoring a more traditional bluegrass sound. He then formed the Nashville Grass and continued with that group, and at the Opry, until his death in 1979. While on the Opry, Lester traditionally hosted the Martha White portion of the show.
June 17, 1916: David Akeman, better known as Stringbean, was born in Anniville, Kentucky. Stringbean had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for years, and was famous for his comedy and banjo playing. However, it was his role on Hee Haw that brought Stringbean his greatest fame to a national audience. Stringbean died in November 1973 when he, along with his wife Estelle, were murdered upon returning home from an Opry appearance.
June 28, 1924: George Morgan was born in Waverly, Tennessee. George spent several years in Ohio, specifically the Barberton area before becoming a star on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. In 1948 he came to Nashville and the Opry, as the replacement for Eddy Arnold, who had recently left the show. George would remain a popular Opry member until his death in 1975. On a historical note, it was George who hosted the final segment of the Friday Night Opry prior to the move to the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974. George, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is also the father of current Opry member Lorrie Morgan.
June 19, 1926: DeFord Bailey made his debut on the WSM Barn Dance. DeFord was a member of the Grand Ole Opry until he was fired by Opry founder George D. Hay in 1941. His song, "Pan American Blues" would often be the opening number on the Opry's early broadcasts. After he was fired from the Opry, DeFord remained bitter toward WSM and the Opry for many years, and declined several invitations to come back and perform on the Opry. Finally, on February 23, 1974, he returned to the Opry for the Old-Timer's Night. He was introduced by Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl and received a great ovation. He would return for several more Opry appearances, making his final appearance in April 1982, several months prior to his death.
June 2, 1927: Carl Butler was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Along with his wife Pearl, Carl had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music, "Don't Let Me Cross Over." Carl and Pearl were members of the Grand Ole Opry for several years in the early 1960's. He passed away in 1992.
June 23, 1929: Valarie June Carter was born in Maces Springs, Virginia. She, along with sisters Anita and Helen, and their mother Maybelle, came to the Opry in 1950. While June was not much of a singer, she was a fine comedian and often teamed with Rod Brasfield and Jimmy Dickens. June left the Opry in the 1960s, but would return on occasion with her famous husband, Johnny Cash. June made one last Opry appearance in July 1999.
June 12, 1936: Dr. Humphrey Bate, founder and leader of the Possum Hunters, died at the age of 61. Following Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Dr. Bate is considered the Opry's 2nd original member. In fact, many historians feel that he may actually have been the first rural performer to have been featured on WSM. Either way, Dr. Bate and the Possum Hunters were an important part of the Opry and his contributions are often overlooked.
June 13, 1936: Because of the size of the crowds, the Opry moved to the Dixie Tabernacle, located on Fatherland Street in East Nashville. While sounding impressive, the Tabernacle was actually a very primitive facility with wooden benches, sawdust floors and no dressing rooms. It was basically an old barn that had sides which were opened during the summer to keep the air flowing thru. However, it did seat 3,500 and contributed to the growth of the Opry.
June 5, 1937: Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Pee Wee was one of the first professional entertainers to join the show and he helped to bring a more professional look to the Opry as his Golden West Cowboys were one of the sharpest looking groups around. Pee Wee and the Opry's founder, George D. Hay had many disagreements as the founder felt that Pee Wee's group was not country enough. As mentioned, Pee Wee brought a lot of professionalism to the show including being the first act to be introduced with entry and exit music. Pee Wee stayed at the Opry for a number of years before leaving and moving to Louisville, Kentucky to work in television. He had a successful show that aired live in several markets including Louisville, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Chicago. Later becoming famous for the "Tennessee Waltz." Pee Wee would continue to make guest appearances on the Opry. His autobiography, "Hell-Bent for Music" is excellent and I highly recommend the book.
June 25, 1940: Republic Pictures released the movie "Grand Ole Opry" which starred Roy Acuff, George D. Hay and Uncle Dave Macon. It was considered a basic movie for the times and while it was no means an academy award winner, it offers a great look at an early Roy Acuff. Copies can still be found online.
June 5, 1943: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the Ryman Auditorium, which would become known as "The Mother Church of Country Music." The Opry would stay at the Ryman until March 1974, and since 1999 has made annual winter visits back. Many consider the Opry's years at the Ryman as the golden years of the Opry and the show had tremendous growth while at the Ryman. While many were sad to see the Opry leave in 1974, deteriorating conditions in the building and in downtown Nashville made the move a necessity.
June 6, 1944: D-Day and the day that Grant Turner began working at WSM radio. Grant, who would become known as the "Dean" of Opry announcers, would remain at WSM and the Opry until his death in October 1991. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, also hosted served as an announcer for the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, and did the Opry's warm-up show.
June 17, 1944: The Poe Sisters, Ruth and Nellie, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Their idols were the Delmore Brothers, and George D. Hay would often refer to them as the "female Delmore Brothers." The Poe Sisters performed regionally in the Northeast before coming to Nashville and the Opry. However, their time at the Opry was very short. They originally left the Opry in 1945 when Ruth got married. They were gone for a few months, then came back, however in August 1946 they left again, this time for good.
June 17, 1944: On the same night as the Poe Sisters, Rod Brasfield made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
June 11, 1949: Hank Williams made his Grand Ole Opry debut. The performance was one for the ages as Hank was called back for a reported six encores, an Opry record that still stands to this day. The song that inspired the encores was "Lovesick Blues." Jimmy Dickens, who was there that night, would often say that it was the greatest Opry performance he had ever seen.
June 19, 1953: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jean Shepard made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Jean eventually joined the Opry in November 1955, and in 2015 became the only female in the history of the Grand Ole Opry to become a 60 year member of the cast.
June 12, 1954: Ferlin Husky became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ferlin would stay as an Opry member until December 1964 when he was fired for failing to make the required number of Opry appearances. Like a few of the others who were terminated, Ferlin would not rejoin the cast but would return for guest appearances.
June 1, 1957: As part of the youth movement that was taking place at the Opry, the Everly Brothers became Opry members. The Everly Brothers did not stay long however, as they were destined for bigger and better things.
June 18, 1957: It was announced that Jimmy Dickens, who had joined the Opry in 1948, was leaving the Grand Ole Opry. According to Jimmy, "WSM would not let me work on a personal appearance tour on the Phillip Morris show and remain on the Opry. I enjoyed my eight year association with WSM and the Opry and I have nothing but good feelings toward everybody at the Opry." Jimmy would return as a member of the Opry in 1975.
June 13, 1959: Roy Drusky became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Roy came to Nashville and the Opry from Atlanta, Georgia and would remain an Opry member until his death in September 2004. In my opinion, Roy had one of the smoothest voices in country music and was a terrific ballad singer.
June 27, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn Morgan, better known as Lorrie, was born. And no, she was not named after Loretta Lynn. Does anyone else find it hard to believe that Lorrie is turning 61 this year?
June 14, 1961: Opry member Patsy Cline was seriously injured in an automobile accident in Nashville. It would take Patsy almost eight months to recover from the injuries, which left a scar on her forehead. Because of that scar, Patsy would wear a wig just about ever time she performed after that accident.
June 29, 1963: Jim Reeves made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jim joined the Opry in 1955, coming to Nashville from the Louisiana Hayride. At the time he left the Opry, Jim felt that he had outgrown the show and was already moving toward a more uptown, contemporary sound.
June 8, 1964: Alton Delmore died at the age of 55 in Huntsville, Alabama. The Delmore Brothers were early members of the Opry, performing on the show in the 1930's. Their influence would carry on for many years and in 2001 they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 12, 1965: Tex Ritter became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. When Tex joined the cast, he was at the tail end of his great western movie career and many wondered why Tex would want to come to Nashville and be a part of the Opry. Tex surprised everyone, becoming one of the Opry's more popular members and becoming very involved in the Nashville community. For a period of time, he co-hosted the overnight radio program with Ralph Emery on WSM. Tex, who was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964, was one of the early leaders and founding members of the Country Music Association and his wife was considered one of the Opry's ambassadors. Tex passed away from a heart attack in January 1974.
June 20, 1965: Ira Louvin, the older brother of Charlie Louvin and one half of the duo, the Louvin Brothers, was killed in an automobile accident. One of the greatest duos in country music history, the Louvin Brothers were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
June 11, 1966: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely made her Opry debut. Jeannie would become an Opry member the following year, in September 1967, and is still an active member today, performing on the Opry most weekends, where she generally will be seen hosting segments.
June 25, 1966: Grand Ole Opry member Willie Nelson made his final appearance as a member of the Opry. Willie joined the Opry in November 1964, but things were not working out well for Willie in Nashville, so he left for his home state of Texas. While in Texas, Willie developed a new look and sound and became one of the biggest acts in the history of country music. While never coming back to the Opry as a member, Willie has made several guest appearances.
June 1, 1967: Stu Phillips became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Stu's 53rd year as an Opry member, and along with Hank Snow and Terri Clark, are the only two Opry members to join the cast from Canada. While June 1st is recognized as the date Stu joined, Stu did not make his first appearance as an Opry member until June 17. Stu's last Grand Ole Opry appearance was several years ago when he was recognized for 50 years of Opry membership.
June 28, 1974: Former Beatles member Paul McCarthy is introduced on the stage of the Opry by Roy Acuff. Paul did not perform but was visiting Nashville as part of a vacation with his family.
June 28, 1975: On that same night, Grand Ole Opry member George Morgan made his final Opry appearance. Included on the show that night was his daughter Lorrie, and they performed a duet together, "Smile for Me." Shortly afterwards, George passed away after suffering a heart attack.
June 17, 1978: Marty Robbins drove his new custom-made Panther Deville onto the stage of the Opry. In a moment of good humor, Roy Acuff found a security guard who wrote out a parking ticket to Marty.
June 20, 1980: Boxcar Willie made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Boxcar would later become a member of the Opry.
June 27, 1981: Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, better known as The Whites, made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Several years later, this popular group from Texas would become Opry members.
June 19, 1982: Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 38th year as Opry members. They remain the only members of the Opry keeping the sound of western music alive on the Opry stage.
June 26, 1982: Opry member B.J. Thomas, who had joined the cast just a year earlier, made his final Saturday night appearance as an Opry member. B.J., who would make his final Friday night appearance later in August, realized that being an Opry member just wasn't what he thought it would be. While he gave up his Opry membership, he would continue to make an occasional Opry appearance.
June 9, 1984: Following in the footsteps of her father, Lorrie Morgan became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Lorrie's 36th year as a member. Lorrie made her Opry debut at the age of 13, singing "Paper Roses."
June 18, 1984: Former Grand Ole Opry member Paul Howard passed away at the age of 75 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Paul joined the Opry in 1942 with his group, the Arkansas Cotton Pickers. The group included Grady Martin and Hank Garland and specialized in western music. Paul stayed with the Opry though the 1940's. He did return later for several of the Opry's reunion shows.
June 20, 1986: Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah, died at the age of 85. Whitey joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1942 and remained a member of the Opry until 1959, when he left to pursue other career opportunities. Like others who left the cast, Whitey would return for numerous appearances. Along with Minnie Pearl, Whitey was the featured comedian on the Prince Albert shows before he was replaced by Rod Brasfield. After Rod joined, Whitey was shifted to other segments. In 1986, the year he died, Whitey was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 4, 1988: Herman Crook, the last living link to the start of the WSM Barn Dance and the Grand Ole Opry, performed on the Opry for the final time. Herman was a part of the Opry for 62 years, first appearing in 1926. Herman was a harmonica player and was a part of the Crook Brothers, the last true string band to appear on the Opry. Over the years, the Possum Hunters, Gully Jumpers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers would disappear, with members from those groups merged into the others, until only the Crook Brothers were left. Herman passed away the following week on June 10, after which the Crook Brothers name would disappear from the Opry line-ups.
June 10, 1988: Ricky Van Shelton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Now retired, this will be Ricky's 32nd year as a member of the Opry's cast.
June 11, 1988: Patty Loveless became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. At one time, Patty was a part of the Wilburn Brother's television show and performed as part of Porter Wagoner's show. Many times she has talked about how much Porter helped and influenced her career. And on the night she joined, it was Porter who inducted her. I don't know about anyone else, but I find it hard to believe that Patty has been an Opry member for 32 years.
June 11, 1988: On the same night that Patty Loveless became an Opry member, future Opry member Holly Dunn made her Opry debut.
June 24, 1989: Garth Brooks made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Garth would become an Opry member the following year.
June 2, 1990: Mike Snider became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 30th year as an Opry member. Mike is a great comedian and also a great banjo player and leads a string band that plays the type of music that the Opry was founded on. In fact, these days Mike is much more serious about the music than the comedy.
June 7, 1991: Alan Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Alan's 29th year as an Opry member. Alan, who is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, rarely visits the Opry.
June 14, 1991: Future Grand Ole Opry member Clint Black made his Opry debut.
June 15, 1991: Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl made her last appearance associated with an Opry sponsored show. That night she performed in Joliet, Illinois. Several days later, she suffered a massive stroke that ended her performing days.
June 6, 1992: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall made his final appearance on the Opry. Tom originally joined the cast in 1971, left in March 1974 when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House, then rejoined the cast in 1980. That decade saw Tom T. make a steady stream of Opry appearances. After he stopped appearing, he told several people that he would not be coming back. Tom T. Hall, who continues to live in the Nashville area, has been retired from performing for several years now.
June 3, 1994: The Ryman Auditorium reopened for the first time since the building was renovated as Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion was broadcast live from the auditorium. After the Opry left in 1974, the building sat basically empty, with the public being allowed in for self guided tours. After a performance and live album by Emmylou Harris, Gaylord Entertainment saw the value and importance of renovating the building. It is now one of Nashville's great treasures and one of the best decisions that Gaylord ever made.
June 3, 1994: Former Grand Ole Opry member Wally Fowler passed away at the age of 77. Wally came to Nashville in 1948 with his Oak Ridge Quartet and was a part of the Opry until 1950. During the time they were at the Opry, the Oak Ridge Quartet was featured on the Prince Albert portion of the show and Wally would many times host the final Opry segment. Over time, the Oak Ridge Quartet would become the Oak Ridge Boys, and the focus of the group would go from gospel to country. By then, Wally had long left the group. Coming full circle, the Oak Ridge Boys have become Opry members.
June 4, 1994: Former Opry member Zeke Clements died at the age of 82. Zeke came to the Opry in the 1930's as a member of the Bronco Busters, which were led by Texas Ruby. When the Opry began the annual reunion shows in the 1970s, Zeke would return and appear on several of the shows.
June 17, 1994: Sarah Wilson of Sarie and Sallie, who were Opry members from 1934-1939, passed away at the age of 97. And yes, they were really sisters, Edna Wilson and Margaret Waters.
June 23, 1995: Current WSM personality and Grand Ole Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs became an Opry announcer.
June 14, 1997: Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made her final appearance as a performer on the Opry. Barbara retired from performing and asked Opry management if she could keep her Opry management, which they agreed to. While not knowing it at the time, this started a trend where retired Opry members were allowed to continue to be Opry members.
June 29, 1999: Pete Fisher became the general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, the first person hired specifically for that position. Pete would remain with the Opry until January 2017 when he left to become the head of the Academy of Country Music. Pete left that position last year and recently has returned to Nashville and has opened his own consulting business.
June 10, 2000: The Grand Ole Opry introduced a new Opry backdrop. The new state of the art lighting replaced the old red barn that had been used in various forms since the Opry moved to the Opry House in 1974. It was reported at the time that the old backdrop was being donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame, however if it has, it has never been put on display.
June 17, 2000: The Opry begins streaming shows live on the internet, giving those around the world an opportunity to listen to the show live. For many, it was the first chance to hear the show without static interference.
June 9, 2001: Grand Ole Opry member Jeanne Pruett made her final scheduled appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Jeanne made the decision to retire as an active performer. While she is retired, Jeanne has been known to show up at the Opry on occasion and also to come out on stage and wave to the audience.
June 14, 2003: While Trace Adkins was making a guest appearance on the Opry, Jimmy Dickens came out with a ladder, climbed it and asked Trace if he would like to become a member of the Opry's cast. Trace, of course, said yes, and was inducted several months later.
June 21, 2003: Longtime Grand Ole Opry member Roy Drusky made his final appearance on the show. Roy Drusky passed away just over a year later, on September 23, 2004 as a result of lung cancer.
June 12, 2004: Terri Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 16th year as an Opry member, and was the third person from Canada to join the cast, following in the footsteps of Hank Snow and Stu Phillips.
June 10, 2005: Carrie Underwood made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She was the recent winner of that year's American Idol. Carrie became an Opry member in May 2008.
June 9, 2007: Mel Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, being introduced on the Opry's stage by his daughter Pam. While officially becoming a member in 2007, Mel had actually been a part of the Opry before, as a member of Porter Wagoner's Wagonmasters and there is a belief that Mel was actually asked to become an individual member during that same time period, accepted but then backed out. He even made it into one edition of the Opry's History Picture Book as a member. However, it wasn't until 2007 that it became official. Mel remained a popular and loyal member of the Opry until passing away in November 2017.
June 6, 2008: The Four Guys made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, in what would prove to be their final Opry appearance. They had been fired from the Opry in 2000 as all of the original members of the group had moved on or retired. They were introduced that night by Bill Anderson and received a nice response from the audience.
June 28, 2008: This was the final night that the Grand Ole Opry began its Saturday night first show at 6:30. The following week, the show was scheduled for 7:00, where it has been since. The show length was also cut 30 minutes, down to a two hours show.
June 23, 2009: Montgomery Gentry became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Since the death of Troy Gentry, Eddie Montgomery has continued as a solo member of the Opry, and this will be his 12th year as an Opry member. At the time, the duo were brought to the show upon the recommendation of fellow Opry member Charlie Daniels, who had joined the cast the previous year.
June 15, 2013: Patty Loveless was honored upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill was the host for the segment, which finished with "Go Rest High On That Mountain." A great moment and night at the Opry.
June 6, 2014: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C Newman made his final Opry appearance. Jimmy joined the Opry in 1948. He passed away several weeks later.
June 11, 2015: Grand Ole Opry member, and newly elected Country Music Hall of Fame member, Jim Ed Brown passed away. Jim Ed had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years and had one of the great voices in country music.
June 19, 2015: Garth Brooks made a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, his first Opry appearance since he inducted Carrie Underwood as an Opry member in 2008, and his first singing appearance on the Opry since 2005. He was joined by his wife Trisha Yearwood.
June 23, 2016: Grand Ole Opry member Ralph Stanley passed away after a period of declining health. Ralph joined the Opry cast in 2000. Along with his brother Carter, Ralph made his mark in bluegrass, performing as The Stanley Brothers. Many believe that The Stanley Brothers deserve consideration for the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 4, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Stu Phillips was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. Stu joined the Opry on June 1, 1967. As part of this appearance, Stu gave a very emotional tribute to those who had helped him during his career. That evening was Stu's final appearance at the Opry as it appears that he is now enjoying retirement.
June 10, 2018: The Grand Ole Opry went on the road with a special Sunday Night Opry at the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Among the acts performing were Opry members Del McCoury, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bobby Bare, Riders In The Sky, and the Opry Square Dancers.
June 11, 2019: Luke Combs was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. John Conlee, Chris Janson and Craig Morgan did the honors. Luke's official induction would take place in July.
As I said, June has been a busy month in the history of the Grand Ole Opry.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Grand Ole Opry May 30
The Grand Ole Opry has now suspended live shows through the month of June. Wish there was better news to report. Until then, the Saturday night acoustical shows continue.
Last week, the Grand Ole Opry offered a wonderful show that paid tribute to our Veterans. Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan was joined by Kellie Pickler and Steven Curtis Chapman in what turned out to be a very nice evening of acoustical music. Some of the songs were very personal and emotional, especially those from Craig.
This week, two of the younger Grand Ole Opry members will be appearing as Chris Janson and Chris Young are on the schedule, joined by Brett Young. Kind of funny: two Chris and two Young s scheduled but none of the three are related. Once again, this promises to be another entertaining evening.
Now, let's look back at a few different dates:
First, 21 years ago, Saturday May 29, 1999 Brad Paisley made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Here is the running order from that night:
1st show
6:30: Opry Book
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: I Can Call Jesus Anytime
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De Lait/Texa-Cajun
6:45: The Circle Club
Jack Greene (host): Over There
The Whites: San Antonio Rose
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Stay a Little Longer
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips a Beat
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Joni Harms: Two-Steppin' Texas Blues/Catalog Dreams
Porter Wagoner: When the Saints Go Marching In/I'll Fly Away/Amazing Grace/I Saw the Light/Y'All Come
7:30: Standard Candy
Billy Walker (host): Let's Think About Living
Brad Paisley: Who Needs Pictures/Me Neither
Sherrie Austin: Never Been Kissed/Lucky In Love
Billy Walker: Back on the Mountain Again
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): I've Got Way Too Much Time on My Hands
Jim and Jesse: Blue Ridge Mountain Sunset
Young Guns: Take This Heart
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Physician's Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Johnny Russell: Got No Reason Now for Going Home
George Hamilton IV & V: Forever Young
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
2nd show
9:30: B.G.V.R.
Porter Wagoner (host): Fireball Mail/Night Train to Memphis
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun Country
Sherrie Austin: Put Your Heart Into It/Never Been Kissed
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Cabin in Gloryland
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back to See
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Hero's Death
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells/Pop a Top
10:15: The Circle Club
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed
Brad Paisley: Who Needs Pictures/Sleeping on the Fold-Out
Jimmy Dickens: A Death in the Family
10:30: Epiphone
Holly Dunn (host): That's What Your Love Does to Me
Jack Greene: This One Belongs to Me
Holly Dunn: There Goes My Heart Again
10:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jean Shepard (host): Gone, Gone, Gone
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Fire on the Mountain
Jean Shepard: Secret Love
11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
George Hamilton IV & V: Abilene
Ray Pillow: Cinderella
Joni Harms: Two-Steppin' Texas Blues/Catalog Dreams
Bill Anderson: Deck of Cards
11:30: Opryland Inn
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Stu Phillips: Colorado/Only God
Del Reeves: You Comb Her Hair
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down/There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Brad would make dozens of Opry appearances over the next couple of years, eventually becoming a member in February 2001. Sadly, he made many more appearances before joining then he has after becoming a member.
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50 years ago, Saturday May 30, 1970 saw an appearance by actor/singer Jim Nabors, who was a friend of Opry member Minnie Pearl. Jim appeared on the 2nd show that night and in fact, was introduced by Minnie on the Opry stage. Here is the running order from that night:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Bible on the Table (A Flag Upon the Wall)
Earl Scruggs Revue: Nashville Skyline Rag
Ernie Ashworth: That Look of Goodbye
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Lift Ring; Pull Open
Earl Scruggs Revue: My Home is Across the Blue Ridge Mountains
Stu Phillips: Wild Side of Life/You Win Again
Jim Ed Brown: Baby. I've Tried
7:00: Luzianne
Bill Monroe (host): Rawhide
Webb Pierce: The Man You Want Me to Be
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Leroy Van Dyke: She Called Me Baby
Bill Monroe: There's an Old, Old House
Webb Pierce: There Stands the Glass
Leroy Van Dyke: Walk on By/Auctioneer
Bill Monroe: Panhandle Country
7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: It's Just the Way I Am
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes/Thinking 'Bout You Babe
Crook Brothers: Gray Eagle
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Run That By Me One More Time
Dolly Parton: How Great Thou Art
Billy Walker: When A Man Loves A Woman
Porter Wagoner: You Gotta Have a License
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Billy Grammer: Instrumental
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Lester Flatt: I've Been Walking
Dottie West: Long Black Limousine
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Lester Flatt: Cumberland Gap
8:30: Stephens
Hank Locklin (host): Flying South
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Bobby Bare: Miller's Cave
Jim and Jesse: I've Got a Freight Train In My Mind
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Marion Worth: Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed
Bobby Bare: Margie's at the Lincoln Park Inn
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Ernie Ashworth: Where Do You Go
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used to Know
Willis Brothers: Gypsy, Rose & Me
Dolly Parton: Daddy, Come and Get Me
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind
10:00: Fender
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Webb Pierce: More & More/The Man You Want Me to Be
Jim Ed Brown: Baby, I've Tried
10:15: Union 76
Bill Monroe (host): I Haven't Seen Mary in Years
Earl Scruggs Revue: Nine Pound Hammer
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host) and Paul Warren: Orange Blossom Special
Archie Campbell: Make Friends
Leroy Van Dyke: An Old Love Affair Now Showing
Lester Flatt: A Great Big Woman and A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine
10:45: Beechnut
Hank Locklin (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Minnie Pearl: Intro of Jim Nabors
Jim Nabors: Your Cheatin' Heart/Rock-A-Bye
11:00: Coca Cola
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Dottie West: Country Girl
Billy Grammer: Under the Double Eagle
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Sam McGee: Folsom Prison Blues
Billy Grammer: God Will Take Care of You/The Old Rugged Cross
11:30: Lava
Bobby Bare (host): Four Strong Winds
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Jim and Jesse: Golden Rocket
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Marion Worth: How Great Thou Art
Jim and Jesse: I Wish You Knew
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Sorry that there is not much else to write about or report on. Things are pretty quiet at the Opry. I guess that is not an entirely bad thing.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this Saturday night.
Last week, the Grand Ole Opry offered a wonderful show that paid tribute to our Veterans. Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan was joined by Kellie Pickler and Steven Curtis Chapman in what turned out to be a very nice evening of acoustical music. Some of the songs were very personal and emotional, especially those from Craig.
This week, two of the younger Grand Ole Opry members will be appearing as Chris Janson and Chris Young are on the schedule, joined by Brett Young. Kind of funny: two Chris and two Young s scheduled but none of the three are related. Once again, this promises to be another entertaining evening.
Now, let's look back at a few different dates:
First, 21 years ago, Saturday May 29, 1999 Brad Paisley made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Here is the running order from that night:
1st show
6:30: Opry Book
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: I Can Call Jesus Anytime
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De Lait/Texa-Cajun
6:45: The Circle Club
Jack Greene (host): Over There
The Whites: San Antonio Rose
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Stay a Little Longer
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips a Beat
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Joni Harms: Two-Steppin' Texas Blues/Catalog Dreams
Porter Wagoner: When the Saints Go Marching In/I'll Fly Away/Amazing Grace/I Saw the Light/Y'All Come
7:30: Standard Candy
Billy Walker (host): Let's Think About Living
Brad Paisley: Who Needs Pictures/Me Neither
Sherrie Austin: Never Been Kissed/Lucky In Love
Billy Walker: Back on the Mountain Again
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): I've Got Way Too Much Time on My Hands
Jim and Jesse: Blue Ridge Mountain Sunset
Young Guns: Take This Heart
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Physician's Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Johnny Russell: Got No Reason Now for Going Home
George Hamilton IV & V: Forever Young
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
2nd show
9:30: B.G.V.R.
Porter Wagoner (host): Fireball Mail/Night Train to Memphis
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun Country
Sherrie Austin: Put Your Heart Into It/Never Been Kissed
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Cabin in Gloryland
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back to See
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Hero's Death
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells/Pop a Top
10:15: The Circle Club
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed
Brad Paisley: Who Needs Pictures/Sleeping on the Fold-Out
Jimmy Dickens: A Death in the Family
10:30: Epiphone
Holly Dunn (host): That's What Your Love Does to Me
Jack Greene: This One Belongs to Me
Holly Dunn: There Goes My Heart Again
10:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jean Shepard (host): Gone, Gone, Gone
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Fire on the Mountain
Jean Shepard: Secret Love
11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
George Hamilton IV & V: Abilene
Ray Pillow: Cinderella
Joni Harms: Two-Steppin' Texas Blues/Catalog Dreams
Bill Anderson: Deck of Cards
11:30: Opryland Inn
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Stu Phillips: Colorado/Only God
Del Reeves: You Comb Her Hair
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down/There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Brad would make dozens of Opry appearances over the next couple of years, eventually becoming a member in February 2001. Sadly, he made many more appearances before joining then he has after becoming a member.
________________________________________________________________________
50 years ago, Saturday May 30, 1970 saw an appearance by actor/singer Jim Nabors, who was a friend of Opry member Minnie Pearl. Jim appeared on the 2nd show that night and in fact, was introduced by Minnie on the Opry stage. Here is the running order from that night:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Bible on the Table (A Flag Upon the Wall)
Earl Scruggs Revue: Nashville Skyline Rag
Ernie Ashworth: That Look of Goodbye
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Lift Ring; Pull Open
Earl Scruggs Revue: My Home is Across the Blue Ridge Mountains
Stu Phillips: Wild Side of Life/You Win Again
Jim Ed Brown: Baby. I've Tried
7:00: Luzianne
Bill Monroe (host): Rawhide
Webb Pierce: The Man You Want Me to Be
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Leroy Van Dyke: She Called Me Baby
Bill Monroe: There's an Old, Old House
Webb Pierce: There Stands the Glass
Leroy Van Dyke: Walk on By/Auctioneer
Bill Monroe: Panhandle Country
7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: It's Just the Way I Am
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes/Thinking 'Bout You Babe
Crook Brothers: Gray Eagle
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Run That By Me One More Time
Dolly Parton: How Great Thou Art
Billy Walker: When A Man Loves A Woman
Porter Wagoner: You Gotta Have a License
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Billy Grammer: Instrumental
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Lester Flatt: I've Been Walking
Dottie West: Long Black Limousine
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Lester Flatt: Cumberland Gap
8:30: Stephens
Hank Locklin (host): Flying South
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Bobby Bare: Miller's Cave
Jim and Jesse: I've Got a Freight Train In My Mind
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Marion Worth: Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed
Bobby Bare: Margie's at the Lincoln Park Inn
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Ernie Ashworth: Where Do You Go
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used to Know
Willis Brothers: Gypsy, Rose & Me
Dolly Parton: Daddy, Come and Get Me
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind
10:00: Fender
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Webb Pierce: More & More/The Man You Want Me to Be
Jim Ed Brown: Baby, I've Tried
10:15: Union 76
Bill Monroe (host): I Haven't Seen Mary in Years
Earl Scruggs Revue: Nine Pound Hammer
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host) and Paul Warren: Orange Blossom Special
Archie Campbell: Make Friends
Leroy Van Dyke: An Old Love Affair Now Showing
Lester Flatt: A Great Big Woman and A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine
10:45: Beechnut
Hank Locklin (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Minnie Pearl: Intro of Jim Nabors
Jim Nabors: Your Cheatin' Heart/Rock-A-Bye
11:00: Coca Cola
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Dottie West: Country Girl
Billy Grammer: Under the Double Eagle
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Sam McGee: Folsom Prison Blues
Billy Grammer: God Will Take Care of You/The Old Rugged Cross
11:30: Lava
Bobby Bare (host): Four Strong Winds
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Jim and Jesse: Golden Rocket
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Marion Worth: How Great Thou Art
Jim and Jesse: I Wish You Knew
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Sorry that there is not much else to write about or report on. Things are pretty quiet at the Opry. I guess that is not an entirely bad thing.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this Saturday night.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Grand Ole Opry May 23
Who else can't believe that it is Memorial Day Weekend? Seems like it snuck up on us this year.
I wanted to clarify a comment that I made on the blog last week in regards to the past couple of shows. First, I continue to be grateful to Opry management for continuing to have an Opry show on Saturday night. Dan Rogers and his team have made sure that the circle remains unbroken. I am sure it has been difficult getting the various acts to appear and I have been happy that several of the Opry's members, who don't appear often, have made an effort to be a part of these shows. I hope that continues.
But I also have to be honest. It seems as if the excitement and the special feeling that were evident when these non-audience shows first started has kind of faded away. Two weeks ago, doing a remote with Blake Shelton just didn't seem to flow and it was almost a wasted appearance by Dustin Lynch. This past Saturday just seemed a little flat. Now, please don't consider that as criticism toward Keith or Kelsea as they are both great performers. I think that the format with two or three artists doing an acoustic performance, sitting on stools, has run its course.
Now that Tennessee has opened up a little bit, I think it is time for the Opry to add a bit more variety on the Saturday night shows. Social distancing is still important and should be taking place. With that said, I think the stage is plenty big enough for a bluegrass group, gospel group or even solo artists bringing a few of their band members.
Maybe the Opry has already reached out to a few of these groups and have not received a positive response. But if the projection of July being the earliest that audiences will be allowed back in the Opry House, perhaps June would be the time to ramp up the number of artists appearing in preparation for restarting the Opry as we know it.
Saying that, I realize that it might not be possible. I am sure many of the Opry's senior members don't want to come out and I respect their decision. Best to be safe. And, the Opry might not have that option in order to continue to follow the health and safety regulations instituted by the City of Nashville and Davidson County.
Dan and his team have a tough job and are in a tough position. As I said at the beginning, I am grateful for all he and his team have done to keep the Opry going and keeping the circle unbroken.
________________________________________________________________
As for the show this Saturday night, it will be a special Memorial Day show honoring our troops featuring Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan, along with frequent Opry guests Steven Curtis Chapman and Kellie Pickler.
And now, from 25 years ago, Saturday May 20, 1995:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jeanne Pruett; Jimmy Dickens
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Jimmy C Newman; Stonewall Jackson; The Whites
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jack Greene; Skeeter Davis; Charlie Walker; Stu Phillips
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Louvin; Del Reeves; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Louvin; Del Reeves; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Whites
10:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jack Greene; Jimmy Dickens
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard
10:45: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; The Four Guys; Charlie Walker; Stonewall Jackson
11:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Gregg Rowles; Billy Walker; Johnny Russell
And from 50 years ago, Saturday May 23, 1970:
1st show
6:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); The Four Guys; Del Wood
6:45: Hank Locklin (host); Peggy Little
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis; Archie Campbell; Stu Phillips; James William Monroe
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Willis Brothers; Stringbean; Crook Brothers; Jane Morgan
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Glaser Brothers; Jimmy C Newman; Bob Luman
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jim and Jesse; Roger Miller; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Hank Locklin (host); Willis Brothers; Skeeter Davis; Stringbean
10:00: Glaser Brothers (host); Archie Campbell
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); James William Monroe; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Del Wood
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Stu Phillips; Jane Morgan
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Bob Luman; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim and Jesse; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Peggy Little; Don Winters
Jane Morgan was an interesting name on the Opry that night. She was promoting her single "A Girl Named Johnny Cash" which she sang on both shows that night.
Jane, who is still alive at the age of 95, was more noted for being an adult contemporary singer, who was featured in nightclubs and was known for her numerous television appearances from the 1950s thru the 70s. She also appeared in several different plays on Broadway. "A Girl Named Johnny Cash" was written by Martin Mull and Jane made a 1971 appearance on The Johnny Cash Show, singing that song.
___________________________________________________________________
Finally. let's go back 72 years to Saturday May 22, 1948. The Opry was only in its 23rd year and was selling out the Ryman Auditorium every Saturday night. Here is the running order from that night:
7:30: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff: We Planted Roses on Our Darling's Grave
Tommy Magness: Cacklin' Hen
Annie Lou and Danny: We're Making Money on the Farm
Jimmy Riddle: Silver Bells
Roy Acuff: Unloved and Unclaimed
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Give Me Back the Money I Paid for a Wife
Jug Band: Polly Wolly Doddle
Roy and Gang: The Great Speckled Bird
Sonny Day: Lost Indian
Annie Lou and Danny: Little Green Valley
Oswald: Behind Those Walls of Grey
Roy and Gang: Were You There
8:00: Purina
Eddy Arnold: Texarkana Baby
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Bradley Kincaid: Two Little Orphans
Oklahoma Wranglers: Cool Water
Eddy Arnold: Don't That Moon Look Lonesome
Jamup and Honey: Jokes
Zeke Clements: Little Rock Ark.
Bill Monroe: I'm Working on a Building
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Eddy Arnold: I'll Hold You in My Heart
8:30: Warren Paint & Color Co.
Ernest Tubb: Don't Flirt With Me
Lew Childre: Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet
Paul Howard: Breaking It Off a Little Too Far
String Beans: Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms
Ernest Tubb: Seaman's Blues
Grandpa Jones: Riding on That Train
Robert Lunn: I'm a Man Not a Mouse
Possum Hunters: Take Your Foot Out of the Mud
Ernest Tubb: Daisey Mae
9:00: Royal Crown
Roy Acuff: Sweeter Than the Flowers
Jimmy Riddle: My Little Gal
York Brothers: Look Before You Leap
Texas Ruby: Hold on Little Doggie
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ravins Gap
Lonzo and Oscar: Cornbread and Lasses
Curly Fox: Deck of Cards
Roy Acuff: Life's Railway to Heaven
Oswald: Weary Lonesome Blues
Tommy Magness: Smoky Mountain Rag
9:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley: Television
Old Hickory Singers: Bicycle Built for Two
Cowboy Copas: Tennessee Waltz
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Red Foley: I Love to Tell the Story
Cowboy Copas: Signed Sealed and Delivered
Rod Brasfield: Jokes
Wally Fowler: Keep on the Firing Line
Red Foley: Picking Up Pieces of a Broken Heart
Square Dancers: Blackberry Blossom
10:00: Wallrite
Bill and Don: Molly and Ten Brooks
Bradley Kincaid: Blue Tail Fly
Bill and Doyle: Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong
Quartet: Remember the Cross
Benny Martin: Down Yonder
10:15: Weather House
Roy Acuff: Not a Word from Home
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: When You and I Were Young Maggie
Roy Acuff: Poem
Gang: There's a Beautiful House
Jug Band: Lazy Day
10:30: Fletcher Wilson
Texas Ruby: It's Over Forever
Curly Fox: Down Yonder
York Brothers: Bothered by the Blues
Curly and Ruby: Someone More Lonesome Than You
10:45: Martha White
Milton Estes: New Filipino Baby
Lew and String Beans: Foggy Mountain Top
Jimmy Selph: That Old Moon
Milton Estes: I'll Fly Away
11:00: Eddy Arnold Songbook
Eddy Arnold: Teardrops in My Heart
Grandpa Jones: Rosa Lee
Gully Jumpers: Ricketts Hornpipe
Eddy Arnold: You Only Want Me When You Are Lonesome
Eddy Arnold: Molly Darling
11:15: Gaylock Seat Covers
Ernest Tubb: Our Last Goodbye
Dot and Smokey: Golden River
Drake Brothers: My Best to You
Ernest Tubb: Yesterday's Tears
11:30
Lonzo and Oscar: Old Mother Nature
Cowboy Copas: Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me
Wally Fowler: I'm on My Way
Lonzo and Oscar: Poppin' Bubble Gum
11:45
Paul Howard: San Antonio Rose
Zeke Clements: Blue Mexico Skies
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Just Because
Robert Lunn: New River Train
Paul Howard: Please Don't Leave
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry on Saturday night.
I wanted to clarify a comment that I made on the blog last week in regards to the past couple of shows. First, I continue to be grateful to Opry management for continuing to have an Opry show on Saturday night. Dan Rogers and his team have made sure that the circle remains unbroken. I am sure it has been difficult getting the various acts to appear and I have been happy that several of the Opry's members, who don't appear often, have made an effort to be a part of these shows. I hope that continues.
But I also have to be honest. It seems as if the excitement and the special feeling that were evident when these non-audience shows first started has kind of faded away. Two weeks ago, doing a remote with Blake Shelton just didn't seem to flow and it was almost a wasted appearance by Dustin Lynch. This past Saturday just seemed a little flat. Now, please don't consider that as criticism toward Keith or Kelsea as they are both great performers. I think that the format with two or three artists doing an acoustic performance, sitting on stools, has run its course.
Now that Tennessee has opened up a little bit, I think it is time for the Opry to add a bit more variety on the Saturday night shows. Social distancing is still important and should be taking place. With that said, I think the stage is plenty big enough for a bluegrass group, gospel group or even solo artists bringing a few of their band members.
Maybe the Opry has already reached out to a few of these groups and have not received a positive response. But if the projection of July being the earliest that audiences will be allowed back in the Opry House, perhaps June would be the time to ramp up the number of artists appearing in preparation for restarting the Opry as we know it.
Saying that, I realize that it might not be possible. I am sure many of the Opry's senior members don't want to come out and I respect their decision. Best to be safe. And, the Opry might not have that option in order to continue to follow the health and safety regulations instituted by the City of Nashville and Davidson County.
Dan and his team have a tough job and are in a tough position. As I said at the beginning, I am grateful for all he and his team have done to keep the Opry going and keeping the circle unbroken.
________________________________________________________________
As for the show this Saturday night, it will be a special Memorial Day show honoring our troops featuring Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan, along with frequent Opry guests Steven Curtis Chapman and Kellie Pickler.
And now, from 25 years ago, Saturday May 20, 1995:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jeanne Pruett; Jimmy Dickens
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Jimmy C Newman; Stonewall Jackson; The Whites
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jack Greene; Skeeter Davis; Charlie Walker; Stu Phillips
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Louvin; Del Reeves; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Louvin; Del Reeves; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Whites
10:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jack Greene; Jimmy Dickens
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard
10:45: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; The Four Guys; Charlie Walker; Stonewall Jackson
11:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Gregg Rowles; Billy Walker; Johnny Russell
And from 50 years ago, Saturday May 23, 1970:
1st show
6:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); The Four Guys; Del Wood
6:45: Hank Locklin (host); Peggy Little
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis; Archie Campbell; Stu Phillips; James William Monroe
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Willis Brothers; Stringbean; Crook Brothers; Jane Morgan
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Glaser Brothers; Jimmy C Newman; Bob Luman
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jim and Jesse; Roger Miller; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Hank Locklin (host); Willis Brothers; Skeeter Davis; Stringbean
10:00: Glaser Brothers (host); Archie Campbell
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); James William Monroe; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Del Wood
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Stu Phillips; Jane Morgan
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Bob Luman; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim and Jesse; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Peggy Little; Don Winters
Jane Morgan was an interesting name on the Opry that night. She was promoting her single "A Girl Named Johnny Cash" which she sang on both shows that night.
Jane, who is still alive at the age of 95, was more noted for being an adult contemporary singer, who was featured in nightclubs and was known for her numerous television appearances from the 1950s thru the 70s. She also appeared in several different plays on Broadway. "A Girl Named Johnny Cash" was written by Martin Mull and Jane made a 1971 appearance on The Johnny Cash Show, singing that song.
___________________________________________________________________
Finally. let's go back 72 years to Saturday May 22, 1948. The Opry was only in its 23rd year and was selling out the Ryman Auditorium every Saturday night. Here is the running order from that night:
7:30: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff: We Planted Roses on Our Darling's Grave
Tommy Magness: Cacklin' Hen
Annie Lou and Danny: We're Making Money on the Farm
Jimmy Riddle: Silver Bells
Roy Acuff: Unloved and Unclaimed
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Give Me Back the Money I Paid for a Wife
Jug Band: Polly Wolly Doddle
Roy and Gang: The Great Speckled Bird
Sonny Day: Lost Indian
Annie Lou and Danny: Little Green Valley
Oswald: Behind Those Walls of Grey
Roy and Gang: Were You There
8:00: Purina
Eddy Arnold: Texarkana Baby
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Bradley Kincaid: Two Little Orphans
Oklahoma Wranglers: Cool Water
Eddy Arnold: Don't That Moon Look Lonesome
Jamup and Honey: Jokes
Zeke Clements: Little Rock Ark.
Bill Monroe: I'm Working on a Building
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Eddy Arnold: I'll Hold You in My Heart
8:30: Warren Paint & Color Co.
Ernest Tubb: Don't Flirt With Me
Lew Childre: Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet
Paul Howard: Breaking It Off a Little Too Far
String Beans: Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms
Ernest Tubb: Seaman's Blues
Grandpa Jones: Riding on That Train
Robert Lunn: I'm a Man Not a Mouse
Possum Hunters: Take Your Foot Out of the Mud
Ernest Tubb: Daisey Mae
9:00: Royal Crown
Roy Acuff: Sweeter Than the Flowers
Jimmy Riddle: My Little Gal
York Brothers: Look Before You Leap
Texas Ruby: Hold on Little Doggie
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ravins Gap
Lonzo and Oscar: Cornbread and Lasses
Curly Fox: Deck of Cards
Roy Acuff: Life's Railway to Heaven
Oswald: Weary Lonesome Blues
Tommy Magness: Smoky Mountain Rag
9:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley: Television
Old Hickory Singers: Bicycle Built for Two
Cowboy Copas: Tennessee Waltz
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Red Foley: I Love to Tell the Story
Cowboy Copas: Signed Sealed and Delivered
Rod Brasfield: Jokes
Wally Fowler: Keep on the Firing Line
Red Foley: Picking Up Pieces of a Broken Heart
Square Dancers: Blackberry Blossom
10:00: Wallrite
Bill and Don: Molly and Ten Brooks
Bradley Kincaid: Blue Tail Fly
Bill and Doyle: Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong
Quartet: Remember the Cross
Benny Martin: Down Yonder
10:15: Weather House
Roy Acuff: Not a Word from Home
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: When You and I Were Young Maggie
Roy Acuff: Poem
Gang: There's a Beautiful House
Jug Band: Lazy Day
10:30: Fletcher Wilson
Texas Ruby: It's Over Forever
Curly Fox: Down Yonder
York Brothers: Bothered by the Blues
Curly and Ruby: Someone More Lonesome Than You
10:45: Martha White
Milton Estes: New Filipino Baby
Lew and String Beans: Foggy Mountain Top
Jimmy Selph: That Old Moon
Milton Estes: I'll Fly Away
11:00: Eddy Arnold Songbook
Eddy Arnold: Teardrops in My Heart
Grandpa Jones: Rosa Lee
Gully Jumpers: Ricketts Hornpipe
Eddy Arnold: You Only Want Me When You Are Lonesome
Eddy Arnold: Molly Darling
11:15: Gaylock Seat Covers
Ernest Tubb: Our Last Goodbye
Dot and Smokey: Golden River
Drake Brothers: My Best to You
Ernest Tubb: Yesterday's Tears
11:30
Lonzo and Oscar: Old Mother Nature
Cowboy Copas: Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me
Wally Fowler: I'm on My Way
Lonzo and Oscar: Poppin' Bubble Gum
11:45
Paul Howard: San Antonio Rose
Zeke Clements: Blue Mexico Skies
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Just Because
Robert Lunn: New River Train
Paul Howard: Please Don't Leave
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry on Saturday night.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Grand Ole Opry May 16
Let's start off with the news that I am sure many have already seen or heard: The Grand Ole Opry has "officially" announced that all shows through June 6 are now cancelled. That also includes any shows at the Ryman Auditorium. The live-streaming of the Opry on Saturday night will continue on Circle. However, based on remarks on Monday by Colin Reed, the head of Ryman Hospitality, they don't expect live audience shows to resume until sometime in July, with increased social distancing and a possible reduction in the number of weekly Opry shows.
Really no surprise as it is still too early to have live shows taking place in theaters and arenas. It is certainly better to be safe then sorry.
Like other venues, the Opry is following the recommendations of the local health departments and other agencies in Nashville and Davidson County. I am also sure that when the Opry House does reopen for live shows, there will be a lot of changes in regards to entrances and exits, and perhaps even the capacity of the Opry House. I don't think they will start off with 4,400 people in the seats.
So until then, the one hour Saturday night shows will continue and this week will feature two Grand Ole Opry members and one guest as Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans will be performing. This will make the third week in a row that either a married couple or a committed couple will be on the Opry as Kelsea and her husband Morgan will be following in the footsteps of Blake/Gwen and Garth Trisha.
A final comment on last week's show: I hope that they never do the remote broadcast again. If you are going to be on the Opry, then be at the Opry House. Just my opinion.
_________________________________________________________________________
And now from 25 years ago, Saturday May 13, 1995:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Jeanne Pruett
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Jack Greene; Charlie Louvin; The Whites
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim and Jesse; George Hamilton IV; Wild Blue Country
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; Ricky Skaggs; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown; The Four Guys; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Del Reeves; Jack Greene; Jeanne Pruett; Jim Ed Brown
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Wild Blue Country
10:45: Bill Monroe (host): Ricky Skaggs; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Billy Walker; The Four Guys; Stonewall Jackson
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); Charlie Walker Ray Pillow; Connie Smith
And from 50 years ago, Saturday May 16, 1970:
1st show
6:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Justin Tubb; John Alan Cameron
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow; Bill Carlisle
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson; George Morgan; Willis Brothers
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Crook Brothers; Dizzy Dean
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Dottie West; Charlie Louvin; Stu Phillips
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Marion Worth; Roy Rogers and Dale Evans; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Willis Brothers; Justin Tubb; Ray Pillow; Ernie Miller
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Osborne Brothers
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); George Morgan; Bill Carlisle; James William Monroe
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper
10:45: Roy Acuff (host); John Allen Cameron; Crook Brothers; Dizzy Dean
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Dottie West; Billy Grammer; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Charlie Louvin (host); Marion Worth; Stu Phillips; Diane McCall
Yes, that was baseball Hall of Fame member Dizzy Dean on the Opry that night and yes, he did sing "Wabash Cannonball" on both shows with Roy. And a special appearance on the first show by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Another name from that night was John Allen Cameron.
John Allen Cameron was born in Inverness County, Nova Scotia. In 1957 John Allan moved to Ottawa, Ontario where he studied to be a Roman Catholic priest through the Order of the Oblate Fathers. In 1964, a few months before ordination, Cameron obtained a dispensation from the church to pursue studies in education at St. Francis Xavier University, and eventually a career in music.
He was a regular on Singalong Jubilee in the 1960s and he was later host of two Canadian television series. The first was the Montreal-produced John Allan Cameron on CTV from 1975 to 1976, while the second was on CBC with the Halifax-produced The John Allan Cameron Show which ran from 1979 to 1981. He was also a guest star on Sharon, Lois & Bram's The Elephant Show in 1986. John Allan Cameron also was the host of Super Variety Tonight, a CBC television special that aired on Sunday, April 4, 1982.
Besides his numerous television and concert appearances, he performed at the Grand Ole Opry in 1970.
In January 2005, he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. Several benefit projects such as concerts and a tribute CD were produced to support costs resulting from his treatment of this cancer. John Allen Cameron passed away in November 2006.
___________________________________________________________________
Finally, it was on May 15, 1982 that Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Who else finds it hard to believe that Ricky will be celebrating his 38th year as an Opry member.
I have posted it before, but here it is again, the running order from the night Ricky joined the Opry cast:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jack Greene (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/Orange Blossom Special/Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms/Night Train to Memphis
Jack Greene: You Are My Treasure
6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Stu Phillips: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
7:00: Shoney's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Jim and Jesse: Then I'll Stop Going for You
Charlie Louvin: The House on the Hill
Connie Smith: I Just Had You on My Mind
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
Archie Campbell: Comedy
7:30: Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): Driving Nails in My Coffin
Jean Shepard: America, Tighten Up Your Belts
Billy Walker; Welcome Back to My Heart
Ricky Skaggs: Cryin' My Heart Out Over You/Blue Moon of Kentucky
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jimmy C Newman: (?)
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Tennessee Ernie Ford: Get A Little Dirt on Your Hands/Sixteen Tons
Roy Acuff and Tennessee Ernie Ford: I'll Fly Away
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Paper Roses
The Four Guys: It's High Time to Get Back on My Feet
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart
Wilburn Brothers: What You Think is Fair
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Hank Snow: I Keep Dreaming of You All the Time
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): The Women Make A Fool Out of Me
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Ricky Skaggs: Cryin' My Heart Out Over You
Bill Carlisle: Elvia
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/Orange Blossom Special/Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms/Night Train to Memphis
Ernest Tubb: Journey's End
10:00: Little Debbie
Billy Walker (host): Welcome Back to My Heart
Ray Pillow: My Love Belongs to You
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love
Billy Walker: Behind Closed Doors
10:15: Sunbeam
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Need Me, But You Will
Archie Campbell: Comedy
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Billy Grammer: The Prisoner's Song
Connie Smith: Once A Day/Sing, Sing, Sing
10:45: Beechnut
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Jean Shepard: America, Tighten Up Your Belt
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Arkansas Traveler
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): From A Jack to a King
Charlie Walker: T for Texas
Justin Tubb: Travelin' Singing Man
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Jan Howard: Beneath Still Waters
Kirk McGee: Victory Rag/Freight Train
Hank Snow: I'm Movin' On
11:30: Bama
Marty Robbins (host): Ribbon of Darkness
The Four Guys: Marie, the Dawn is Breaking
Roy Drusky: There'll Never Be Anyone Else But You For Me
Wilburn Brothers: What You Think is Fair
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Cool Water/That's All Right/18 Yellow Roses/I Don't Know Why/Devil Woman/Begging to You/Jumper Cable Man/Return to Me/Beyond the Reef/Good Hearted Woman/El Paso
Also of note was an appearance by Tennessee Ernie Ford on the 1st show. Ernie didn't get to Nashville often but when he did, he would usually stop by the Opry. Ernie was personal friends with the ownership of Martha White, so when he did appear on the show it generally was on the Martha White sponsored segment.
There you have it for this week. As always, my thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry on Saturday night.
Really no surprise as it is still too early to have live shows taking place in theaters and arenas. It is certainly better to be safe then sorry.
Like other venues, the Opry is following the recommendations of the local health departments and other agencies in Nashville and Davidson County. I am also sure that when the Opry House does reopen for live shows, there will be a lot of changes in regards to entrances and exits, and perhaps even the capacity of the Opry House. I don't think they will start off with 4,400 people in the seats.
So until then, the one hour Saturday night shows will continue and this week will feature two Grand Ole Opry members and one guest as Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans will be performing. This will make the third week in a row that either a married couple or a committed couple will be on the Opry as Kelsea and her husband Morgan will be following in the footsteps of Blake/Gwen and Garth Trisha.
A final comment on last week's show: I hope that they never do the remote broadcast again. If you are going to be on the Opry, then be at the Opry House. Just my opinion.
_________________________________________________________________________
And now from 25 years ago, Saturday May 13, 1995:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Jeanne Pruett
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Jack Greene; Charlie Louvin; The Whites
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim and Jesse; George Hamilton IV; Wild Blue Country
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; Ricky Skaggs; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown; The Four Guys; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Del Reeves; Jack Greene; Jeanne Pruett; Jim Ed Brown
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Wild Blue Country
10:45: Bill Monroe (host): Ricky Skaggs; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Billy Walker; The Four Guys; Stonewall Jackson
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); Charlie Walker Ray Pillow; Connie Smith
And from 50 years ago, Saturday May 16, 1970:
1st show
6:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Justin Tubb; John Alan Cameron
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow; Bill Carlisle
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson; George Morgan; Willis Brothers
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Crook Brothers; Dizzy Dean
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Dottie West; Charlie Louvin; Stu Phillips
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Marion Worth; Roy Rogers and Dale Evans; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Willis Brothers; Justin Tubb; Ray Pillow; Ernie Miller
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Osborne Brothers
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); George Morgan; Bill Carlisle; James William Monroe
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper
10:45: Roy Acuff (host); John Allen Cameron; Crook Brothers; Dizzy Dean
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Dottie West; Billy Grammer; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Charlie Louvin (host); Marion Worth; Stu Phillips; Diane McCall
Yes, that was baseball Hall of Fame member Dizzy Dean on the Opry that night and yes, he did sing "Wabash Cannonball" on both shows with Roy. And a special appearance on the first show by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Another name from that night was John Allen Cameron.
John Allen Cameron was born in Inverness County, Nova Scotia. In 1957 John Allan moved to Ottawa, Ontario where he studied to be a Roman Catholic priest through the Order of the Oblate Fathers. In 1964, a few months before ordination, Cameron obtained a dispensation from the church to pursue studies in education at St. Francis Xavier University, and eventually a career in music.
He was a regular on Singalong Jubilee in the 1960s and he was later host of two Canadian television series. The first was the Montreal-produced John Allan Cameron on CTV from 1975 to 1976, while the second was on CBC with the Halifax-produced The John Allan Cameron Show which ran from 1979 to 1981. He was also a guest star on Sharon, Lois & Bram's The Elephant Show in 1986. John Allan Cameron also was the host of Super Variety Tonight, a CBC television special that aired on Sunday, April 4, 1982.
Besides his numerous television and concert appearances, he performed at the Grand Ole Opry in 1970.
In January 2005, he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. Several benefit projects such as concerts and a tribute CD were produced to support costs resulting from his treatment of this cancer. John Allen Cameron passed away in November 2006.
___________________________________________________________________
Finally, it was on May 15, 1982 that Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Who else finds it hard to believe that Ricky will be celebrating his 38th year as an Opry member.
I have posted it before, but here it is again, the running order from the night Ricky joined the Opry cast:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jack Greene (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/Orange Blossom Special/Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms/Night Train to Memphis
Jack Greene: You Are My Treasure
6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Stu Phillips: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
7:00: Shoney's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Jim and Jesse: Then I'll Stop Going for You
Charlie Louvin: The House on the Hill
Connie Smith: I Just Had You on My Mind
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
Archie Campbell: Comedy
7:30: Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): Driving Nails in My Coffin
Jean Shepard: America, Tighten Up Your Belts
Billy Walker; Welcome Back to My Heart
Ricky Skaggs: Cryin' My Heart Out Over You/Blue Moon of Kentucky
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jimmy C Newman: (?)
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Tennessee Ernie Ford: Get A Little Dirt on Your Hands/Sixteen Tons
Roy Acuff and Tennessee Ernie Ford: I'll Fly Away
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Paper Roses
The Four Guys: It's High Time to Get Back on My Feet
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart
Wilburn Brothers: What You Think is Fair
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Hank Snow: I Keep Dreaming of You All the Time
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): The Women Make A Fool Out of Me
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Ricky Skaggs: Cryin' My Heart Out Over You
Bill Carlisle: Elvia
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/Orange Blossom Special/Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms/Night Train to Memphis
Ernest Tubb: Journey's End
10:00: Little Debbie
Billy Walker (host): Welcome Back to My Heart
Ray Pillow: My Love Belongs to You
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love
Billy Walker: Behind Closed Doors
10:15: Sunbeam
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Need Me, But You Will
Archie Campbell: Comedy
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Billy Grammer: The Prisoner's Song
Connie Smith: Once A Day/Sing, Sing, Sing
10:45: Beechnut
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Jean Shepard: America, Tighten Up Your Belt
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Arkansas Traveler
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): From A Jack to a King
Charlie Walker: T for Texas
Justin Tubb: Travelin' Singing Man
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Jan Howard: Beneath Still Waters
Kirk McGee: Victory Rag/Freight Train
Hank Snow: I'm Movin' On
11:30: Bama
Marty Robbins (host): Ribbon of Darkness
The Four Guys: Marie, the Dawn is Breaking
Roy Drusky: There'll Never Be Anyone Else But You For Me
Wilburn Brothers: What You Think is Fair
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Cool Water/That's All Right/18 Yellow Roses/I Don't Know Why/Devil Woman/Begging to You/Jumper Cable Man/Return to Me/Beyond the Reef/Good Hearted Woman/El Paso
Also of note was an appearance by Tennessee Ernie Ford on the 1st show. Ernie didn't get to Nashville often but when he did, he would usually stop by the Opry. Ernie was personal friends with the ownership of Martha White, so when he did appear on the show it generally was on the Martha White sponsored segment.
There you have it for this week. As always, my thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry on Saturday night.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Grand Ole Opry May 9
Another week and another Saturday night at the Grand Ole Opry and this week it will be a little different. Since these non-audience shows have begun, the shows have been limited to two or three artists. However, this week the number is expanded to four. However, there is a little catch.
While Trace Adkins and Dustin Lynch will be live from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House. Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will be on "remote" from Blake's ranch in Oklahoma.
This will be interesting to say the least. So will Blake and Gwen actually be "live" or will their segments be pre-recorded? How will the technology work? Will Trace and Dustin do half the show and then Blake and Gwen the other half? I guess we will all fine out.
For Gwen Stefani, this will be her Opry debut and I have to think in order to get Blake, Gwen was part of the package. In looking through various country music sites, there seems to be a lot of backlash toward Gwen. Honestly, I can't say that I am a fan of hers, but I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and see what songs she will be singing.
____________________________________________________________________
And now, from 25 years ago, the first Saturday in May 1995:
Saturday May 6, 1995:
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; George Hamilton IV; Mike Snider
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Michael Martin Murphy; Don Gibson; Jimmy C Newman
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Roy Drusky; Jeanne Pruett; Billy Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); John Conlee; Charlie Walker; The Four Guys; Del Reeves
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Stonewall Jackson; Jimmy C Newman
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); The Whites
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ray Pillow
10:45: Jack Greene (host); Charlie Louvin; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Billy Walker; Del Reeves
11:30: John Conlee (host); Charlie Walker; Stu Phillips; The Four Guys
From 50 years ago, Saturday May 9, 1970:
1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Bill Carlisle
6:45: Hank Locklin (host); George Morgan; Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Stringbean; Jim and Jesse; Justin Tubb; Brother Oswald
7:30: Bill Monroe (host); Willis Brothers; Stu Phillips; Crook Brothers; James William Monroe
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Loretta Lynn; Grandpa Jones; Ray Pillow; Ramona Jones
8:30: Bobby Bare (host); Bob Luman; Peggy Sue
2nd show
9:30: Jack Greene (host); Willis Brothers; George Morgan; Jeannie Seely
10:00: Jim and Jesse (host); Bill Carlisle; Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Stringbean
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Stu Phillips; Justin Tubb
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Locklin (host); Grandpa Jones; Peggy Sue; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Bobby Bare (host); Bob Luman; Ray Pillow; Waylon Jennings and Johnny Darrell
Looking back, it was on Saturday May 8, 1976 that George Hamilton IV rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
George had originally joined the Opry cast on February 2, 1960. In 1971, George gave up his Opry membership as he moved back to his native North Carolina in order to spend more time with his family. By early 1976, he was back in Nashville and rejoined the Opry cast. In fact, when George rejoined, he released a new album "Back Home At The Opry." While not a commercial success, it marked George's return to the show. Once George returned to the Opry, he would remain an Opry member until his death in 2014.
Here is the running order from Saturday May 8, 1976, the night George Hamilton IV returned:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jimmy Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Jim and Jesse: Paradise
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
6:45: Rudy's
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
Justin Tubb: Cold Brown Bottle
Wilma Lee and Carol Lee Cooper: Coming Down from God
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
Billy Grammer: That's Life
Lonzo and Oscar: I'm Moving On #2
Jimmy Gately: The Angel of the Bar Room
Bill Anderson and Mary Lou Turner: That's What Made Me Love You
Bill Anderson: Mama Sang A Song
7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Don Gibson: I Can't Stop Loving You
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain/Abilene
Brother Oswald: Nobody's Business
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Chicken Reel
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life/The Carroll County Accident/The Last One to Touch Me/Green, Green Grass of Home/Indian Creek
8:00: Martha White
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Grandpa Jones: Little Pink
Jeannie Seely: Who Needs You
Osborne Brothers: Smokey Mountain Smoke
Hank Locklin: These Arms You Push Away
Stu Phillips: Only You Can Hush the Wind
Grandpa Jones: Dark as a Dungeon
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Wilburn Brothers: It's Another World
Jimmy C Newman: Shrimp Boats
The Four Guys: Turn Around, Look at Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: My Mother
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jack Greene (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
Willis Brothers: Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain
Jeanne Seely: Mama Never Told Me About Cowboys
Lonzo and Oscar: Divorce #2
Webb Pierce and Carol Channing: Back Street Affair
Webb Pierce, Carol Channing, Jimmy C Newman and Hank Locklin: You Are My Sunshine
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Somebody Touched Me
10:00: Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Thanks/But You Know I Love You/Wild Weekend
Jim and Jesse: Freight Train
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew
Bill Anderson and Mary Lou Turner: Sometimes
10:15: Union 76
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Billy Grammer: That's Life
Wilma Lee and Carol Lee Cooper: Give Me the Roses While I Live
Porter Wagoner: Way Down Deep in Love
10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones (host): Baptism of Jesse Taylor
Don Gibson: Doin' My Time
The Four Guys: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigrae
10:45: Beechnut
Osborne Brothers (host): Rocky Top
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Osborne Brothers: Smokey Mountain Smoke
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): The Wreck of the Old 97/One More Ride
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Jimmy C Newman: Shrimp Boats
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
George Hamilton IV: Country Music is in My Soul
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye
11:30: Elm Hill
Wilburn Brothers (host): It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Count Me Out
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Brother Oswald: The End of the World
Wilburn Brothers: Metals for Mothers
I was lucky enough to have met George a couple of times at the Opry and I can tell you that he was about the nicest person you would ever meet. He would spend time actually talking to you and engaging in folk and country music. It was sad how he was treated toward the end of his life at the Opry, reduced on some nights to the role of backstage greeter while younger and less talented artists performed on the Opry stage. But I never heard George say a negative word about it. He always considered it an honor to be an Opry member and the Opry was always better off with George on the show.
__________________________________________________________________________
An interesting name from that night was Carol Channing, While most associate her with Broadway musicals, by the mid-to-late 1970s, she had found her way to Nashville and recorded with a number of country artists on Plantation Records. Other artists signed to that label included Jimmy C Newman, Hank Locklin and Webb Pierce, who Carol appeared that night with on the Opry.
In 1977, Carol and Webb recorded an album together titled, "C&W", for Carol and Webb. One single was released, "Got You on My Mind," however it failed to chart. Her next collaboration was an entire album of duets for the label. Released in 1978, Carol Channing and Her Country Friends featured the singer sharing vocals with Locklin and Newman, with an additional appearance from Plantation’s Rita Remington on two cuts, including Shel Silverstein’s “One’s on the Way,” popularized by Loretta Lynn. Locklin and Channing are credited as co-writers of the opening track, “Don’t Mention My Name,” and duet on cuts including “We’re Gonna Go Fishin’,” Locklin’s 1962 hit that followed his chart-topping “Please Help Me, I’m Falling” two years earlier. To promote the album, Carol and Hank made several television appearances, including one on Marty Robbins' show.
To finish it up, Sunday is Mother's Day. I know when Hank Snow was alive and if he did the Opry on the Saturday night before Mother's Day, he always did "My Mother" as the final song on the 2nd show. It was always a pretty emotional song for him.
If you mom is still with us, please take the time to give her a call. I know she would appreciate it.
Thanks for reading and commenting. and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night.
While Trace Adkins and Dustin Lynch will be live from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House. Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will be on "remote" from Blake's ranch in Oklahoma.
This will be interesting to say the least. So will Blake and Gwen actually be "live" or will their segments be pre-recorded? How will the technology work? Will Trace and Dustin do half the show and then Blake and Gwen the other half? I guess we will all fine out.
For Gwen Stefani, this will be her Opry debut and I have to think in order to get Blake, Gwen was part of the package. In looking through various country music sites, there seems to be a lot of backlash toward Gwen. Honestly, I can't say that I am a fan of hers, but I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and see what songs she will be singing.
____________________________________________________________________
And now, from 25 years ago, the first Saturday in May 1995:
Saturday May 6, 1995:
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; George Hamilton IV; Mike Snider
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Michael Martin Murphy; Don Gibson; Jimmy C Newman
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Roy Drusky; Jeanne Pruett; Billy Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); John Conlee; Charlie Walker; The Four Guys; Del Reeves
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Stonewall Jackson; Jimmy C Newman
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); The Whites
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ray Pillow
10:45: Jack Greene (host); Charlie Louvin; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Billy Walker; Del Reeves
11:30: John Conlee (host); Charlie Walker; Stu Phillips; The Four Guys
From 50 years ago, Saturday May 9, 1970:
1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Bill Carlisle
6:45: Hank Locklin (host); George Morgan; Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Stringbean; Jim and Jesse; Justin Tubb; Brother Oswald
7:30: Bill Monroe (host); Willis Brothers; Stu Phillips; Crook Brothers; James William Monroe
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Loretta Lynn; Grandpa Jones; Ray Pillow; Ramona Jones
8:30: Bobby Bare (host); Bob Luman; Peggy Sue
2nd show
9:30: Jack Greene (host); Willis Brothers; George Morgan; Jeannie Seely
10:00: Jim and Jesse (host); Bill Carlisle; Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Stringbean
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Stu Phillips; Justin Tubb
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Locklin (host); Grandpa Jones; Peggy Sue; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Bobby Bare (host); Bob Luman; Ray Pillow; Waylon Jennings and Johnny Darrell
Looking back, it was on Saturday May 8, 1976 that George Hamilton IV rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
George had originally joined the Opry cast on February 2, 1960. In 1971, George gave up his Opry membership as he moved back to his native North Carolina in order to spend more time with his family. By early 1976, he was back in Nashville and rejoined the Opry cast. In fact, when George rejoined, he released a new album "Back Home At The Opry." While not a commercial success, it marked George's return to the show. Once George returned to the Opry, he would remain an Opry member until his death in 2014.
Here is the running order from Saturday May 8, 1976, the night George Hamilton IV returned:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jimmy Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Jim and Jesse: Paradise
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
6:45: Rudy's
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
Justin Tubb: Cold Brown Bottle
Wilma Lee and Carol Lee Cooper: Coming Down from God
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
Billy Grammer: That's Life
Lonzo and Oscar: I'm Moving On #2
Jimmy Gately: The Angel of the Bar Room
Bill Anderson and Mary Lou Turner: That's What Made Me Love You
Bill Anderson: Mama Sang A Song
7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Don Gibson: I Can't Stop Loving You
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain/Abilene
Brother Oswald: Nobody's Business
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Chicken Reel
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life/The Carroll County Accident/The Last One to Touch Me/Green, Green Grass of Home/Indian Creek
8:00: Martha White
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Grandpa Jones: Little Pink
Jeannie Seely: Who Needs You
Osborne Brothers: Smokey Mountain Smoke
Hank Locklin: These Arms You Push Away
Stu Phillips: Only You Can Hush the Wind
Grandpa Jones: Dark as a Dungeon
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Wilburn Brothers: It's Another World
Jimmy C Newman: Shrimp Boats
The Four Guys: Turn Around, Look at Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: My Mother
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jack Greene (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
Willis Brothers: Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain
Jeanne Seely: Mama Never Told Me About Cowboys
Lonzo and Oscar: Divorce #2
Webb Pierce and Carol Channing: Back Street Affair
Webb Pierce, Carol Channing, Jimmy C Newman and Hank Locklin: You Are My Sunshine
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Somebody Touched Me
10:00: Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Thanks/But You Know I Love You/Wild Weekend
Jim and Jesse: Freight Train
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew
Bill Anderson and Mary Lou Turner: Sometimes
10:15: Union 76
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Billy Grammer: That's Life
Wilma Lee and Carol Lee Cooper: Give Me the Roses While I Live
Porter Wagoner: Way Down Deep in Love
10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones (host): Baptism of Jesse Taylor
Don Gibson: Doin' My Time
The Four Guys: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigrae
10:45: Beechnut
Osborne Brothers (host): Rocky Top
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Osborne Brothers: Smokey Mountain Smoke
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): The Wreck of the Old 97/One More Ride
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Jimmy C Newman: Shrimp Boats
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
George Hamilton IV: Country Music is in My Soul
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye
11:30: Elm Hill
Wilburn Brothers (host): It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Count Me Out
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Brother Oswald: The End of the World
Wilburn Brothers: Metals for Mothers
I was lucky enough to have met George a couple of times at the Opry and I can tell you that he was about the nicest person you would ever meet. He would spend time actually talking to you and engaging in folk and country music. It was sad how he was treated toward the end of his life at the Opry, reduced on some nights to the role of backstage greeter while younger and less talented artists performed on the Opry stage. But I never heard George say a negative word about it. He always considered it an honor to be an Opry member and the Opry was always better off with George on the show.
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An interesting name from that night was Carol Channing, While most associate her with Broadway musicals, by the mid-to-late 1970s, she had found her way to Nashville and recorded with a number of country artists on Plantation Records. Other artists signed to that label included Jimmy C Newman, Hank Locklin and Webb Pierce, who Carol appeared that night with on the Opry.
In 1977, Carol and Webb recorded an album together titled, "C&W", for Carol and Webb. One single was released, "Got You on My Mind," however it failed to chart. Her next collaboration was an entire album of duets for the label. Released in 1978, Carol Channing and Her Country Friends featured the singer sharing vocals with Locklin and Newman, with an additional appearance from Plantation’s Rita Remington on two cuts, including Shel Silverstein’s “One’s on the Way,” popularized by Loretta Lynn. Locklin and Channing are credited as co-writers of the opening track, “Don’t Mention My Name,” and duet on cuts including “We’re Gonna Go Fishin’,” Locklin’s 1962 hit that followed his chart-topping “Please Help Me, I’m Falling” two years earlier. To promote the album, Carol and Hank made several television appearances, including one on Marty Robbins' show.
To finish it up, Sunday is Mother's Day. I know when Hank Snow was alive and if he did the Opry on the Saturday night before Mother's Day, he always did "My Mother" as the final song on the 2nd show. It was always a pretty emotional song for him.
If you mom is still with us, please take the time to give her a call. I know she would appreciate it.
Thanks for reading and commenting. and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night.
Sunday, May 3, 2020
May Opry Highlights
Welcome to the month of May, the month where many of us see spring at the beginning of the month and summer by the end. As usual, May is a busy month at the Grand Ole Opry and here are the important and historical events that have taken place during the month involving the Opry or its members.
May 1, 1894: One of the Opry's original members, Sam McGee was born. Sam first appeared on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. Over the years, Sam would appear with his brother Kirk, and as part of the Dixieliners and Fruit Jar Drinkers. Sam passed away in August 1975, following a tractor accident on his farm near Nashville.
May 12, 1901: The Duke of Paducah, Benjamin Francis Ford, was born in DeSoto, Missouri. This fine comedian joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1942, and remained a member of the Opry until 1959. Even though he gave up his Opry membership to move on to other opportunities, the Duke would continue to return for guest appearances, especially during the Opry's annual reunion shows. Benjamin Ford passed away in 1986, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 30, 1909: Lewis Crook, a member of the Crook Brothers, was born, While not an original member of the group, he performed with Herman Crook and the others, primarily backing up the square dancers. After Herman passed away, Lewis continued on at the Opry as part of the newly named Opry Square Dance Band. Lewis, who was a part of the Opry for over 50 years, passed away in 1997.
May 17, 1912: Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer Grant Turner was born. Grant joined the staff of WSM on D-Day, June 6, 1944. While the Opry has had many legendary announcers over the years, Grant is considered the Opry's best, so much so that he was called "The Dean of the Opry's Announcers." Grant remained an Opry announcer until his death on October 19, 1991, just hours after finishing his work on the Friday Night Opry. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, was with WSM for 47 years.
May 30, 1912: Alcyone Bate Beasley was born. Alcyone was there when it all started in November 1925, performing with her father's group, Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters. After his death in 1936, Alcyone worked to keep the Possum Hunters together, but it was a struggle as the Opry moved to a more professional and modern sound. By the 1960s, the Possum Hunters had been merged with the Crook Brothers. In the 1970s, after over 45 years on the Opry, Alcyone went into semi-retirement, after which she became a fixture at the Opry's annual reunion shows. She passed away in October 1982.
May 9, 1914: The legendary Singing Ranger, Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Hank joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1950 and would remain one of the Opry's biggest stars until his death in December 1999, just weeks short of his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1979, Hank was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 1, 1926: Uncle Dave Macon joined the cast of the WSM Barn Dance. Uncle Dave was considered the first professional musician to join the cast of the Barn Dance, and he would remain with the show until his death in March 1952. Uncle Dave was a popular Opry member, who always considered himself just a plain old country boy. In 1966, he was one of the early members to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 1, 1928: Former Grand Ole Opry member, James Hugh Loden was born. Better known as Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman, he was an Opry member for a few years in the 1960s. A true country legend, Sonny is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 25, 1936: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T Hall was born. Much like Abe Lincoln. Tom T was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tom T originally joined the Opry on January 1, 1971. He left the Opry in 1974, when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland. In 1980, he returned as an Opry member. At the age of 84, Tom T is now retired.
May 31, 1938: Donald Lytle was born in Greenfield, Ohio. Early in his career, he decided upon the name Johnny Paycheck and spent the early part of his career as a band member for Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, George Jones and Faron Young. Once he became a star in his own right, Johnny became one of the first to be considered a country "outlaw." He experienced some pretty serious issues in his life and spent some time in prison. However in 1997, thanks to some help from his friend Johnny Russell, he was asked to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, just a few years after becoming an Opry member, his health declined and his performing career ended. Johnny passed away in February 2003.
May 2, 1948: Grand Ole Opry member Larry Gatlin was born. Along with his brothers Steve and Rudy, Larry joined the cast of the Opry on Christmas Day 1976. In recent years, Larry has been performing pretty regularly at the Opry and has become the primary host of Opry Country Classics, which takes place at the Ryman Auditorium during the Spring and Fall months.
May 29, 1950: Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters, which consisted of Anita, Helen and June, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. When the Carters joined the cast, they also brought along Chet Atkins as their guitar player. For Chet, it was a return to the show as he had originally appeared on the show in the 1940s with Red Foley. While the Carter Sisters would come and go, Mother Maybelle remained with the Opry until the late 1960s. Later in her career, and similar to the experience of other veteran Opry members such as Sam and Kirk McGee, she would complain to the Opry's management about her poorly timed spots and a general lack of respect. When she finally did decide to leave the Opry, it was to become a permanent member of Johnny Cash's road show.
May 16, 1953: Jimmy Dean made his Grand Ole Opry debut, introduced that night by Opry member Carl Smith. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would make occasional Opry appearances throughout his career, including on the night that Jimmy Dickens was honored on his 50th anniversary as an Opry member.
May 23, 1953: Singing "Mexican Joe" future Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves made his Opry debut.
May 21, 1955: While several dates are listed, it would appear that this was the date that Opry member Webb Pierce quit the Opry. He was an Opry member for just three years, but over that time he realized pretty fast how much money he was losing by not being out on the road on Saturday nights. In addition to his Hall of Fame career, Webb was also involved in the music publishing business. Even though Webb gave up his Opry membership, he would continue to make guest appearances on the show up until he passed away.
May 11, 1957: Don and Phil, the Everly Brothers, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. They, along with a few others, were brought in as part of a youth movement in an attempt to capture the younger crowd who were not coming to the Opry. They were with the Opry for only a year before moving on. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 18, 1957: Just weeks after the Everly Brothers, Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their Opry debut. While the Everly Brothers left fairly soon after joining, the Kershaw boys would stay around for a few years.
May 20, 1958: Don Gibson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. A fantastic songwriter, Don was an Opry member until December 1964, when he was fired from the cast for not making the required number of Opry appearances. Several years later, Don rejoined the Opry after the attendance requirements were lowered. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, Don remained an Opry member until his death in 2003 after a period of declining health.
May 4, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis was born in Marshville, North Carolina. Randy joined the cast of the Opry in December 1986. Due to some serious health issues, including a stroke, Randy is no longer able to perform, however he does come around and visits the Opry on occasion.
May 1, 1960: The WLS National Barn Dance, one of the Opry's early competitors, came to an end as WLS in Chicago changed formats. The Barn Dance originally started on April 19, 1924, a year prior to the start of the Opry.
May 5, 1962: Future Grand Ole Opry member Marion Worth made her first guest appearance on the Opry. Marion would join the Opry cast a year later. Marion, who passed away in 1999, was really underrated as a singer and after leaving the Opry, she spent some time performing in Las Vegas.
May 13, 1967: Merle Haggard made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Merle came to the Opry a few times, the last being in October 2015, when he made a surprise appearance on the show.
May 8, 1968: Grand Ole Opry founder George D. Hay passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started the WSM Barn Dance in November 1925, several months after joining WSM as the Radio Director. After he started the show, he would frequently clash with WSM management, particularly Harry and David Stone, over the direction of the show. He wanted to keep the Opry "close to the ground" while the Stone's saw the value of the Opry to National Life and WSM and wanted the show to take a more professional approach. Over the years, Hay would suffer periods of ill health and by the time he retired from WSM, he was primarily an announcer with little creative control regarding the show. On Saturday May 11, the first Opry show following his death, Grant Turner paid tribute to him, saying, "He called himself the Solemn Old Judge. If he was solemn, it was only in the face of those who thought to change or corrupt the purity of the barn dance ballads he sought to preserve. We, the performers and friends of the Grand Ole Opry, salute the memory of one whose influence is felt on the stage of the Opry tonight-the Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay."
May 10, 1969: Stonewall Jackson rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall was another of the ones who were fired in December 1964 for failing to fulfill the Opry's attendance requirements. Stonewall originally joined the cast in November 1956. His last Opry appearance was in November 2016 when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary as an Opry member. Stonewall continues to battle heath issues but I think all of us would like to see him back on the Opry at least one more time.
May 17, 1969: Tammy Wynette became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, her time as an Opry member would be short and within a few years, she would leave the Opry's cast.
May 16, 1970: In one of those special Opry moments, baseball Hall of Fame member Dizzy Dean made a guest appearance on the Opry. Dizzy was a great fan of country music and was known to belt out his version of the Wabash Cannonball while broadcasting a game.
May 1, 1971: Tex Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody, made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He originally came to the Opry in 1937 with Roy Acuff and later performed with Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys. Later in his career, he appeared with Lonzo & Oscar, in addition to his solo performances. While not always remember, Cousin Jody was Roy Acuff's original dobro player, replaced by Brother Oswald when he left Roy's group. He left the Opry due to his declining health.
May 8, 1976: After an absence of several years, George Hamilton IV rejoined the Opry's cast. George originally joined the Opry in February 1960. He left the show, however, as he moved from Nashville back to North Carolina and was doing a lot of touring. After coming back, George stayed with the Opry until his death in September 2014.
May 22, 1977: In honor of Victoria Day, a national holiday in Canada, the Opry held a special matinee show dedicated to the fans of the Opry from the country up North. By the way, there have been three Grand Ole Opry members that have called Canada home: Hank Snow, Stu Phillips and Terri Clark.
May 11, 1979: Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville at the age of 64. Lester had been in declining health for a number of years. Lester first came to the Opry as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, later joining with Earl Scruggs to form Flatt & Scruggs. After splitting with Earl, Lester continued as an Opry member, sticking to traditional bluegrass and traditionally hosting the segment hosted by Martha White.
May 15, 1982: Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 38th year as an Opry member. Ricky always dreamed of becoming an Opry member and he has always taken his Opry membership seriously. As Ricky said, "I don't ever, ever want to get to the point where I don't come and play the Opry, while I feel like I'm too good to play the Opry. Mr. Acuff said that I would do that. He said you'll get so big you'll do like all the rest of them. And I said, you don't know me. You just watch and see, I'm not made that way. I didn't join the Opry for that." After that, whenever Ricky played the Opry, he would always make it a point to find Roy and tell him that he was indeed there. And yes, there have been a few bumps in the road, but overall, Ricky has been good for the Opry.
May 26, 1984: Onie Wheeler, a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, died of a heart attack while performing on the Grand Ole Gospel radio program that followed the Friday Night Opry.
May 3, 1986: Barbara Mandrell returned to the Opry for the first time following her near fatal car accident. While her appearances were fewer as her career progressed, Barbara has always expressed a great love of the Opry and its members.
May 4, 1991: Travis Tritt made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, in February 1992, Travis would become an Opry member.
May 1, 1993: Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Charley's 27th year as an Opry member. Charley first appeared as a guest on the Opry in the late 1960s. Over the following years, Charley was asked numerous times if he was interested in becoming a member of the Opry, but he always declined due to his heavy touring schedule and the fact that he seldom came to Nashville. In 1993, he finally felt that the time was right and he joined the cast.
May 11, 1996: Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Steve first came to the Opry as a member of Dottie West's band, before branching out with his own career. This will be Steve's 24th year as a member of the Opry's cast. I have had to the opportunity to meet Steve while at the Opry and found him friendly and delightful to talk to.
May 3, 1997: The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree celebrated it's 50th anniversary with a show that took place on Broadway Avenue in Nashville. It was a wonderful night and star studded as many came out that night to show their support for the Midnight Jamboree.
May 17, 1997: Former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Tammy had been a member of the Opry in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when she was married to George Jones.
May 31, 1997: Lee Ann Womack made her first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Lee Ann would make guest appearances on the show.
May 9, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn made his final appearance on the Opry. Teddy and his brother Doyle, along with other family members, had first appeared on the Opry in 1940 before being forced to leave the show due to child labor laws. In the 1950s, they returned to the Opry as members, with Teddy and Doyle performing as a duo until Doyle's death from cancer in 1982. Teddy continued as a solo member of the Opry, although over time he would reduce his appearances. Health issues forced Teddy to retire from performing and he passed away in November 2003.
May 15, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck made his final appearance on the Opry. Health issues forced Johnny to retire from performing.
May 29, 1999: Future Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley made his Opry debut. Brad came to Nashville and the Opry via the Wheeling Jamboree. After numerous guest appearances, Brad would eventually become an Opry member.
May 5, 2001: Blake Shelton made his debut as a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next decade, Blake would continue to appear once in a while on the Opry, eventually joining the cast in the fall of 2010. Since then, Blake has continued to appear on the Opry once in a while.
May 21, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Billy Walker, along with his wife Bettie and two members of his band, were killed in a traffic accident on their way back to Nashville after an appearance in Alabama. Billy had joined the Opry in 1960. Such a tragic end to a great career.
May 19, 2007: Porter Wagoner celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was joined that night by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Marty Stuart and Buck Trent. Marty hosted the televised segment and it marked the final time that Porter and Dolly shared the stage together. Dolly sang a very emotional "I Will Always Love You," which she wrote dedicated to Porter and on that night, it brought tears to Porter's eyes. Porter, who was already in declining health, would pass away in October.
May 10, 2008: Carrie Underwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 12th year as an Opry member. On the night of her induction, Garth Brooks surprised Carrie and the Opry crowd by making a special appearance to induct Carrie. I know I have said it before, but Carrie takes her Opry membership seriously and even with her busy schedule, she has always managed to get in the 10 appearances each year asked of her.
May 30, 2009: Comedian, actor and banjo player Steve Martin made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, leading an all-star band performing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." If you have never seen or heard Steve play the banjo, he is fantastic and takes it very seriously.
May 1, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House sustained major damage when the Cumberland River flooded during heavy rains that hit the Nashville area. The Opry House, Acuff Theater, Opry Museum and Opry Mills Mall all were closed due to the damage. The Acuff Theater was torn down, the Museum has never reopened and it took the Mall years to get repaired. In the case of the Opry House, it took until September for the auditorium to be reopened. When it did, it was a star-studded Tuesday Night Opry with Bill Anderson hosting the opening segment. This was fitting as it was Bill that had hosted the final Saturday night segment the night prior to the flood. And even though the Opry House was closed due to the flood, the Opry did not miss one performance as the show relocated to various buildings around Nashville.
May 3, 2011: Alabama made a guest appearance on the Opry, 29 years after they first appeared on the Opry. They were joined on stage that night by Opry member Brad Paisley, and together they sang, "Old Alabama" and "Tennessee River." While never becoming an Opry member, Alabama would return several times to perform on the show.
May 18, 2013: Retired Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made a surprise appearance at the Opry. She did not sing, but came out on stage and waved to the audience.
May 4, 2018: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride was honored at the Opry upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry.
May 4, 2019: Randy Travis appeared at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate his 60th birthday. Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Charles Esten and Josh Turner joined Randy that night. Randy joined songwriter Don Schlitz in singing "Forever And Ever, Amen" which was written by Don.
There you have it for May. Another busy month around the Opry.
May 1, 1894: One of the Opry's original members, Sam McGee was born. Sam first appeared on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. Over the years, Sam would appear with his brother Kirk, and as part of the Dixieliners and Fruit Jar Drinkers. Sam passed away in August 1975, following a tractor accident on his farm near Nashville.
May 12, 1901: The Duke of Paducah, Benjamin Francis Ford, was born in DeSoto, Missouri. This fine comedian joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1942, and remained a member of the Opry until 1959. Even though he gave up his Opry membership to move on to other opportunities, the Duke would continue to return for guest appearances, especially during the Opry's annual reunion shows. Benjamin Ford passed away in 1986, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 30, 1909: Lewis Crook, a member of the Crook Brothers, was born, While not an original member of the group, he performed with Herman Crook and the others, primarily backing up the square dancers. After Herman passed away, Lewis continued on at the Opry as part of the newly named Opry Square Dance Band. Lewis, who was a part of the Opry for over 50 years, passed away in 1997.
May 17, 1912: Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer Grant Turner was born. Grant joined the staff of WSM on D-Day, June 6, 1944. While the Opry has had many legendary announcers over the years, Grant is considered the Opry's best, so much so that he was called "The Dean of the Opry's Announcers." Grant remained an Opry announcer until his death on October 19, 1991, just hours after finishing his work on the Friday Night Opry. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, was with WSM for 47 years.
May 30, 1912: Alcyone Bate Beasley was born. Alcyone was there when it all started in November 1925, performing with her father's group, Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters. After his death in 1936, Alcyone worked to keep the Possum Hunters together, but it was a struggle as the Opry moved to a more professional and modern sound. By the 1960s, the Possum Hunters had been merged with the Crook Brothers. In the 1970s, after over 45 years on the Opry, Alcyone went into semi-retirement, after which she became a fixture at the Opry's annual reunion shows. She passed away in October 1982.
May 9, 1914: The legendary Singing Ranger, Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Hank joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1950 and would remain one of the Opry's biggest stars until his death in December 1999, just weeks short of his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1979, Hank was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 1, 1926: Uncle Dave Macon joined the cast of the WSM Barn Dance. Uncle Dave was considered the first professional musician to join the cast of the Barn Dance, and he would remain with the show until his death in March 1952. Uncle Dave was a popular Opry member, who always considered himself just a plain old country boy. In 1966, he was one of the early members to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 1, 1928: Former Grand Ole Opry member, James Hugh Loden was born. Better known as Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman, he was an Opry member for a few years in the 1960s. A true country legend, Sonny is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 25, 1936: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T Hall was born. Much like Abe Lincoln. Tom T was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tom T originally joined the Opry on January 1, 1971. He left the Opry in 1974, when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland. In 1980, he returned as an Opry member. At the age of 84, Tom T is now retired.
May 31, 1938: Donald Lytle was born in Greenfield, Ohio. Early in his career, he decided upon the name Johnny Paycheck and spent the early part of his career as a band member for Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, George Jones and Faron Young. Once he became a star in his own right, Johnny became one of the first to be considered a country "outlaw." He experienced some pretty serious issues in his life and spent some time in prison. However in 1997, thanks to some help from his friend Johnny Russell, he was asked to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, just a few years after becoming an Opry member, his health declined and his performing career ended. Johnny passed away in February 2003.
May 2, 1948: Grand Ole Opry member Larry Gatlin was born. Along with his brothers Steve and Rudy, Larry joined the cast of the Opry on Christmas Day 1976. In recent years, Larry has been performing pretty regularly at the Opry and has become the primary host of Opry Country Classics, which takes place at the Ryman Auditorium during the Spring and Fall months.
May 29, 1950: Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters, which consisted of Anita, Helen and June, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. When the Carters joined the cast, they also brought along Chet Atkins as their guitar player. For Chet, it was a return to the show as he had originally appeared on the show in the 1940s with Red Foley. While the Carter Sisters would come and go, Mother Maybelle remained with the Opry until the late 1960s. Later in her career, and similar to the experience of other veteran Opry members such as Sam and Kirk McGee, she would complain to the Opry's management about her poorly timed spots and a general lack of respect. When she finally did decide to leave the Opry, it was to become a permanent member of Johnny Cash's road show.
May 16, 1953: Jimmy Dean made his Grand Ole Opry debut, introduced that night by Opry member Carl Smith. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would make occasional Opry appearances throughout his career, including on the night that Jimmy Dickens was honored on his 50th anniversary as an Opry member.
May 23, 1953: Singing "Mexican Joe" future Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves made his Opry debut.
May 21, 1955: While several dates are listed, it would appear that this was the date that Opry member Webb Pierce quit the Opry. He was an Opry member for just three years, but over that time he realized pretty fast how much money he was losing by not being out on the road on Saturday nights. In addition to his Hall of Fame career, Webb was also involved in the music publishing business. Even though Webb gave up his Opry membership, he would continue to make guest appearances on the show up until he passed away.
May 11, 1957: Don and Phil, the Everly Brothers, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. They, along with a few others, were brought in as part of a youth movement in an attempt to capture the younger crowd who were not coming to the Opry. They were with the Opry for only a year before moving on. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 18, 1957: Just weeks after the Everly Brothers, Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their Opry debut. While the Everly Brothers left fairly soon after joining, the Kershaw boys would stay around for a few years.
May 20, 1958: Don Gibson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. A fantastic songwriter, Don was an Opry member until December 1964, when he was fired from the cast for not making the required number of Opry appearances. Several years later, Don rejoined the Opry after the attendance requirements were lowered. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, Don remained an Opry member until his death in 2003 after a period of declining health.
May 4, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis was born in Marshville, North Carolina. Randy joined the cast of the Opry in December 1986. Due to some serious health issues, including a stroke, Randy is no longer able to perform, however he does come around and visits the Opry on occasion.
May 1, 1960: The WLS National Barn Dance, one of the Opry's early competitors, came to an end as WLS in Chicago changed formats. The Barn Dance originally started on April 19, 1924, a year prior to the start of the Opry.
May 5, 1962: Future Grand Ole Opry member Marion Worth made her first guest appearance on the Opry. Marion would join the Opry cast a year later. Marion, who passed away in 1999, was really underrated as a singer and after leaving the Opry, she spent some time performing in Las Vegas.
May 13, 1967: Merle Haggard made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Merle came to the Opry a few times, the last being in October 2015, when he made a surprise appearance on the show.
May 8, 1968: Grand Ole Opry founder George D. Hay passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started the WSM Barn Dance in November 1925, several months after joining WSM as the Radio Director. After he started the show, he would frequently clash with WSM management, particularly Harry and David Stone, over the direction of the show. He wanted to keep the Opry "close to the ground" while the Stone's saw the value of the Opry to National Life and WSM and wanted the show to take a more professional approach. Over the years, Hay would suffer periods of ill health and by the time he retired from WSM, he was primarily an announcer with little creative control regarding the show. On Saturday May 11, the first Opry show following his death, Grant Turner paid tribute to him, saying, "He called himself the Solemn Old Judge. If he was solemn, it was only in the face of those who thought to change or corrupt the purity of the barn dance ballads he sought to preserve. We, the performers and friends of the Grand Ole Opry, salute the memory of one whose influence is felt on the stage of the Opry tonight-the Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay."
May 10, 1969: Stonewall Jackson rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall was another of the ones who were fired in December 1964 for failing to fulfill the Opry's attendance requirements. Stonewall originally joined the cast in November 1956. His last Opry appearance was in November 2016 when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary as an Opry member. Stonewall continues to battle heath issues but I think all of us would like to see him back on the Opry at least one more time.
May 17, 1969: Tammy Wynette became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, her time as an Opry member would be short and within a few years, she would leave the Opry's cast.
May 16, 1970: In one of those special Opry moments, baseball Hall of Fame member Dizzy Dean made a guest appearance on the Opry. Dizzy was a great fan of country music and was known to belt out his version of the Wabash Cannonball while broadcasting a game.
May 1, 1971: Tex Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody, made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He originally came to the Opry in 1937 with Roy Acuff and later performed with Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys. Later in his career, he appeared with Lonzo & Oscar, in addition to his solo performances. While not always remember, Cousin Jody was Roy Acuff's original dobro player, replaced by Brother Oswald when he left Roy's group. He left the Opry due to his declining health.
May 8, 1976: After an absence of several years, George Hamilton IV rejoined the Opry's cast. George originally joined the Opry in February 1960. He left the show, however, as he moved from Nashville back to North Carolina and was doing a lot of touring. After coming back, George stayed with the Opry until his death in September 2014.
May 22, 1977: In honor of Victoria Day, a national holiday in Canada, the Opry held a special matinee show dedicated to the fans of the Opry from the country up North. By the way, there have been three Grand Ole Opry members that have called Canada home: Hank Snow, Stu Phillips and Terri Clark.
May 11, 1979: Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville at the age of 64. Lester had been in declining health for a number of years. Lester first came to the Opry as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, later joining with Earl Scruggs to form Flatt & Scruggs. After splitting with Earl, Lester continued as an Opry member, sticking to traditional bluegrass and traditionally hosting the segment hosted by Martha White.
May 15, 1982: Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 38th year as an Opry member. Ricky always dreamed of becoming an Opry member and he has always taken his Opry membership seriously. As Ricky said, "I don't ever, ever want to get to the point where I don't come and play the Opry, while I feel like I'm too good to play the Opry. Mr. Acuff said that I would do that. He said you'll get so big you'll do like all the rest of them. And I said, you don't know me. You just watch and see, I'm not made that way. I didn't join the Opry for that." After that, whenever Ricky played the Opry, he would always make it a point to find Roy and tell him that he was indeed there. And yes, there have been a few bumps in the road, but overall, Ricky has been good for the Opry.
May 26, 1984: Onie Wheeler, a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, died of a heart attack while performing on the Grand Ole Gospel radio program that followed the Friday Night Opry.
May 3, 1986: Barbara Mandrell returned to the Opry for the first time following her near fatal car accident. While her appearances were fewer as her career progressed, Barbara has always expressed a great love of the Opry and its members.
May 4, 1991: Travis Tritt made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, in February 1992, Travis would become an Opry member.
May 1, 1993: Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Charley's 27th year as an Opry member. Charley first appeared as a guest on the Opry in the late 1960s. Over the following years, Charley was asked numerous times if he was interested in becoming a member of the Opry, but he always declined due to his heavy touring schedule and the fact that he seldom came to Nashville. In 1993, he finally felt that the time was right and he joined the cast.
May 11, 1996: Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Steve first came to the Opry as a member of Dottie West's band, before branching out with his own career. This will be Steve's 24th year as a member of the Opry's cast. I have had to the opportunity to meet Steve while at the Opry and found him friendly and delightful to talk to.
May 3, 1997: The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree celebrated it's 50th anniversary with a show that took place on Broadway Avenue in Nashville. It was a wonderful night and star studded as many came out that night to show their support for the Midnight Jamboree.
May 17, 1997: Former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Tammy had been a member of the Opry in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when she was married to George Jones.
May 31, 1997: Lee Ann Womack made her first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Lee Ann would make guest appearances on the show.
May 9, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn made his final appearance on the Opry. Teddy and his brother Doyle, along with other family members, had first appeared on the Opry in 1940 before being forced to leave the show due to child labor laws. In the 1950s, they returned to the Opry as members, with Teddy and Doyle performing as a duo until Doyle's death from cancer in 1982. Teddy continued as a solo member of the Opry, although over time he would reduce his appearances. Health issues forced Teddy to retire from performing and he passed away in November 2003.
May 15, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck made his final appearance on the Opry. Health issues forced Johnny to retire from performing.
May 29, 1999: Future Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley made his Opry debut. Brad came to Nashville and the Opry via the Wheeling Jamboree. After numerous guest appearances, Brad would eventually become an Opry member.
May 5, 2001: Blake Shelton made his debut as a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next decade, Blake would continue to appear once in a while on the Opry, eventually joining the cast in the fall of 2010. Since then, Blake has continued to appear on the Opry once in a while.
May 21, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Billy Walker, along with his wife Bettie and two members of his band, were killed in a traffic accident on their way back to Nashville after an appearance in Alabama. Billy had joined the Opry in 1960. Such a tragic end to a great career.
May 19, 2007: Porter Wagoner celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was joined that night by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Marty Stuart and Buck Trent. Marty hosted the televised segment and it marked the final time that Porter and Dolly shared the stage together. Dolly sang a very emotional "I Will Always Love You," which she wrote dedicated to Porter and on that night, it brought tears to Porter's eyes. Porter, who was already in declining health, would pass away in October.
May 10, 2008: Carrie Underwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 12th year as an Opry member. On the night of her induction, Garth Brooks surprised Carrie and the Opry crowd by making a special appearance to induct Carrie. I know I have said it before, but Carrie takes her Opry membership seriously and even with her busy schedule, she has always managed to get in the 10 appearances each year asked of her.
May 30, 2009: Comedian, actor and banjo player Steve Martin made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, leading an all-star band performing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." If you have never seen or heard Steve play the banjo, he is fantastic and takes it very seriously.
May 1, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House sustained major damage when the Cumberland River flooded during heavy rains that hit the Nashville area. The Opry House, Acuff Theater, Opry Museum and Opry Mills Mall all were closed due to the damage. The Acuff Theater was torn down, the Museum has never reopened and it took the Mall years to get repaired. In the case of the Opry House, it took until September for the auditorium to be reopened. When it did, it was a star-studded Tuesday Night Opry with Bill Anderson hosting the opening segment. This was fitting as it was Bill that had hosted the final Saturday night segment the night prior to the flood. And even though the Opry House was closed due to the flood, the Opry did not miss one performance as the show relocated to various buildings around Nashville.
May 3, 2011: Alabama made a guest appearance on the Opry, 29 years after they first appeared on the Opry. They were joined on stage that night by Opry member Brad Paisley, and together they sang, "Old Alabama" and "Tennessee River." While never becoming an Opry member, Alabama would return several times to perform on the show.
May 18, 2013: Retired Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made a surprise appearance at the Opry. She did not sing, but came out on stage and waved to the audience.
May 4, 2018: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride was honored at the Opry upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry.
May 4, 2019: Randy Travis appeared at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate his 60th birthday. Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Charles Esten and Josh Turner joined Randy that night. Randy joined songwriter Don Schlitz in singing "Forever And Ever, Amen" which was written by Don.
There you have it for May. Another busy month around the Opry.
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