Tuesday Night Opry June 22

One of the Grand Ole Opry's long lost members who makes very infrequent appearances on the show will be at the Opry House on Tuesday night as Reba McEntire will be appearing. Apparently, the Opry is commemorating Reba's 35th anniversary as a member of the Opry, as she joined the cast on November 21, 1985. Yes, that is a little late, but better late then never! Not really sure they are going to do anything special during the show, or if they are just going to mention it. 

Also appearing on Tuesday night will be frequent Opry guest Carly Pearce. I mention that because a couple of readers have sent me messages wondering if there is a chance that Reba might surprise Carly with an invitation to become an Opry member. I guess anything is possible and with the rumors and speculation regarding Carly, it could happen. Or it could not. 

7:00: Riders In The Sky; Seaforth; Maggie Rose; Gary Mule Deer
8:00: Carly Pearce; Lukas Nelson & The Promise Real; Restless Road; Reba McEntire

Yes, that is correct. It is Restless Road and not Restless Heart that will be appearing. For Restless Road, this will be their Opry debut. 

Made up of three different but complementary voices, Restless Road is a powerhouse country band with one of the most auspicious breakout stories of 2020. Praised by People, Taste of Country, Billboard and more, the trio’s powerhouse harmonies and soul-baring lyrics put them on numerous 2021 “Ones to Watch” lists, as members Zach Beeken, Colton Pack, and Garrett Nichols continue to rack up millions of on-demand streams. 

Since Zach and Colton joined forces after meeting on a singing competition (where they met future collaborator Kane Brown), Restless Road has stood out as a vocal force in a genre increasingly defined more by its production than its voices. When Garrett came onboard in 2015, they knew they had something special.

In February 2020, the trio unveiled their debut self-titled EP, which includes “Take Me Home,” featuring Kane Brown. A short year later, they dropped their latest track, “Took One Look At Her Momma,” which American Songwriter praised for its “captivating melody and lyrics that those in a relationship could benefit from hearing.”

Restless Road recently earned themselves the opening slot of Kane Brown’s “Blessed & Free Tour,” which runs from October 2021 to February 2022. With all signs indicating Restless Road is a contender for best new vocal group, its members continue to write, sing, and perform together as they take the next steps down country music’s long and winding road.
_____________________________________________________________________

And yes, for those wondering, Lukas Nelson is Willie's son and he has appeared on the Opry before. Lukas has really been making a name for himself on the Americana charts. 

Looks like a full line-up and a lot of talent for the Tuesday Night Opry. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/18 & 6/19

I wanted to start out by thanking everyone who contributed to the previous discussion regarding the Country Music Hall of Fame. So nice to have intelligent and well thought out view points. I think we have come to the conclusion that the voting process and categories need some change and hopefully the CMA and the CMHOF will listen and take a look at it. For those expecting a 2021 announcement of inductees, I am thinking sometime this summer, from what I have read. 

Now to the Grand Ole Opry and another week as we continue to roll through June. As with past weekends, we see a return of one of the Opry's members as Josh Turner will be making his first Opry appearance of 2021 on Saturday night. Not only is Josh returning, but in looking at the line-ups this weekend, there are some acts that will be appearing that we haven't seen in a while. 

First, checking out Opry members appearing this weekend, John Conlee and Connie Smith are scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, while Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky will be joining Josh Turner on Saturday night. By the way, Saturday will mark the 39th anniversary of membership for Riders In The Sky. 

Looking at those who will be making guest appearances on Friday night, it is nice to see Kathy Mattea on the schedule. I know there has always been interest in Kathy becoming an Opry member and there are many of us who believe she would be a perfect fit for the show. 

Joining Kathy on Friday will be comedian Gary Mule Deer, guitarist Tommy Emmanual and Chris Bandi. Also listed are two couples: Americana artists Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis, along with Rachel & Terry Bradshaw. Now for those wondering, Bruce and Kelly are married while Rachel is Terry's daughter. She has been featured on the TV show "The Bradshaw Bunch," and no, I have never watched the show so someone will have to fill me in. 

Gary Mule Deer is also on the schedule for Saturday night, fulfilling the role of designated comedian before the Circle televised portion of the Opry, which in addition to Josh Turner, will feature retired NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, a return appearance by Elvie Shane, and veteran artists Sawyer Brown. Also appearing during the first hour will be Erin Enderlin, who won Entertainer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the recent Arkansas Country Music Awards. She is one on Nashville's bright young artists. 

Friday June 18
7:00: John Conlee; Chris Bandi; Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis; Gary Mule Deer
Intermission
8:00: Connie Smith; Rachel & Terry Bradshaw; Tommy Emmanual; Kathy Mattea

Saturday June 19
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Erin Enderlin; Riders In The Sky; Gary Mule Deer
8:00: Sawyer Brown; Elvie Shane; Kyle Petty; Josh Turner

Just five Opry members appearing this weekend, with two on Friday and three on Saturday. 

With NASCAR returning this weekend to the Nashville Speedway, that would explain why Kyle Petty is on the televised portion of the Opry this weekend. 
__________________________________________________________________

Now from 50 years ago, here is the 2nd show from Saturday June 19, 1971: 

9:30: Ray Pillow (host): Willis Brothers: Penny DeHaven; Murry Kellum
10:00: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Jerry Clower; Barbara Mandrell
10:15: The 4 Guys (host): Connie Eaton; Tommy Jones
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Peggy Little; Jerry Smith
10:45: Tom T. Hall (host): Dave Dudley; Crook Brothers
11:00: Bobby Lord (host): Connie Smith; Bobby Harden; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Marion Worth; Bobby Sykes
______________________________________________________________________

Looking back to June 19, 1982 as this was the date that Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Though they carry on a comedic tradition that harkens back to Grand Ole Opry humorists of the 1930s including the Duke of Paducah, Riders In The Sky’s four members are also masterful musicians who became the first Opry cast members to fully represent the cowboy stylings that helped to put the “Western” in “Country & Western.”

The group got their start in late 1977, when guitarist Doug “Ranger Doug” Green, a one-time member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys and country music journalist and historian, invited bassist Fred “Too Slim” Labour to join him for a gig at a Nashville nightclub. With Paul “Woody Paul” Chrisman on fiddle, the trio dubbed themselves Riders In The Sky. Their recorded debut, Three on the Trail (1979), showcased impeccable vocal and instrumental work in the mold of such Western music heroes — and Country Music Hall of Fame members — as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers, while their live shows added a strong dose of broad, quick-witted humor that had them poking gentle fun at one another and at aspects of the movie cowboy image. This combination led to their induction into the Opry’s cast in 1982.

“Zeke Clements had a cowboy routine, the Willis Brothers sang some cowboy songs, and, of course, Marty Robbins sang some cowboy songs, too, but we’re the group that deliberately set about to preserve the Western tradition on this show,” notes Ranger Doug. “It’s a piece of country music history that we think is just as exciting and interesting as modern country, classic country, or bluegrass, and we’re the guys keeping it alive.”

For the Riders, who became a quartet when they “promoted” longtime accordionist Joey “The Cowpolka King” Miskulin to full membership, the mission of keeping the cowboy style alive has led to exhaustive touring, a long-running radio show (Riders Radio Theatre), and a long string of popular recordings, including two soundtrack companion CDs (Woody’s Roundup featuring Riders In The Sky, for Toy Story 2, and Monsters Inc.: Scream Factory Favorites) that earned the group Grammy awards in 2001 and 2003.

Along the way, Riders In The Sky have earned multiple awards, including six Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year trophies and membership in the organization’s Hall of Fame, the Academy of Western Artists’ Western Music Group of the Year award (five times), and a presence on both the Country Music Foundation’s Walkway of Stars and the Walk of Western Stars in Newhall, California. On the scholarly front, Ranger Doug — who regularly sits in with the award-winning Time Jumpers Western swing band — earned renown of his own with the 2002 publication of Singing in the Saddle, the first full-length study of the Hollywood “singing cowboy” phenomenon.

Today, the Riders continue to delight audiences at the Opry House and elsewhere, more than justifying Billboard journalist Jim Bessman’s characterization of them as one of “the most historically significant acts in the history of American music.”

Here is the running order from Saturday June 19, 1982, the night Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): Letters Have No Arms
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Riders In The Sky: How the Yodel was Born/Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Jack Leonard: Break My Mind Again
Ernest Tubb: Rainbow at Midnight

7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Cryin' My Heart Out Over you/Slipping Away
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Grandpa Jones: Four Stoned Walls & A Ceiling/What'll I Do with the Baby-O

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Lonzo and Oscar: All the Gold in California
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Connie Smith: I Just Had You on My Mind/Once A Day
Roy Acuff: Stream Line Cannonball

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
The 4 Guys: I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it to Me Again
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: I Have You & That's Enough for Me

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Have You Ever Been Lonely
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Del Wood: Just Because/Bill Bailey/Beer Barrel Polka
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'/Ol' Chunk of Coal
Jack Leonard: Lone Star Beer & Bob Wills Music
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): The Banjo is the Instrument for Me
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Temporarily Yours
Grandpa Jones: There's a Grave in the Wave of the Ocean

10:15: Sunbeam
Jack Greene (host): Try a Little Kindness
Justin Tubb: Take a Letter Miss Gray
Jack Greene: Yours for the Taking/There Goes My Everything

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Down in Union County
Riders In The Sky: (?)/Turkey in the Straw/Chicken Reel/Devil's Dream
Roy Acuff: In the Center of the Grand Ole Stage/I Saw the Light

10:45: Beechnut
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Connie Smith: Lovin' You Baby
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Wilburn Brothers: Release Me
Lonzo and Oscar w/The Eldridge Brothers: Little Cabin Home on the Hill
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me

11:30: Bama
The 4 Guys (host): I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink on Me
Sheila and Bill Carlisle, Jr: In the Pines
Ray Pillow: All You Have to Do is Come Back Home/Remember Me
The 4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot

Congratulations to Riders In The Sky upon their 39th year as Grand Ole Opry members. 

There you have it for this week. Thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry June 15

The line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry is posted and it looks like another solid show with seven acts, four of whom are members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

7:00: Bill Anderson; Tenille Arts
7:30: Riders In The Sky; Linda Davis
Intermission
8:15: Henry Cho; Del McCoury Band
8:45: Darius Rucker

Overall, not a bad line-up. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/11 & 6/12

It seems like each week a couple more of the Grand Ole Opry members return to the stage at the Opry House and this weekend is no exception as the legendary Gene Watson and Kelsea Ballerini will be making their first Opry appearances of 2021. While Kelsea did make an Opry appearance during the Covid shutdown of the live Opry shows, this will be Gene's first appearance since Covid appeared on the scene. Glad to see both of these Opry members returning. 

Both Gene and Kelsea will be appearing on the Friday Night Opry, with Riders In The Sky the only other Opry member appearing. Riders In the Sky will be back on Saturday night, joined by Jeannie Seely. 

Guesting on Friday night will be Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy. Also appearing are a couple of acts that have been making frequent stops at the Opry this year, The Isaacs and Carly Pearce. While it is probably a given that Carly will be an Opry member at some point in the near future (in my opinion), The Isaacs would also be a wonderful addition to the cast. Mo Pitney is also on the schedule as is veteran country music artist, Doug Stone. It has been a long, long time since Doug last appeared on the Opry and it is good to see him back. 

Saturday night will feature the father/son solo acts Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett. For those wondering and who may not know, Thomas (Rhett) Akins is the dad and (Thomas) Rhett Akins, Jr. is the son. Both will be on the Circle televised portion of the Opry. Those two will be joined in the final hour by Tracy Lawrence. A few years back, Tracy was making a lot of Opry appearances. So many in fact, that many thought Tracy might become an Opry member at some point. However in the past couple of years, we have not seen much of Tracy at the Opry and he seems to have fallen off the frequent guest list. I am happy to see Tracy back as he really has a nice country sound and a solid collection of hits. And yes, I always thought that Tracy would make a good Opry member. 

Also on the Saturday night schedule are Smithfield and Steven Curtis Chapman. 

Friday June 11

7:00: Gene Watson; Mo Pitney; Charlie McCoy; Kelsea Ballerini
Intermission
8:00: Doug Stone; Riders In The Sky; Carly Pearce; The Isaacs

Saturday June 12
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Smithfield; Steven Curtis Chapman; Riders In The Sky
8:00: Tracy Lawrence; Rhett Akins; Thomas Rhett

Just three Opry members on Friday night and only two members on Saturday night, with no Opry members on the televised portion of the show on Circle. I would have thought at this point we would have seen more artists and more members appearing. Certainly some of the legends such as Bill Anderson, John Conlee and Bobby Osborne, all of whom have been welcomed back to the show.
_________________________________________________________________________

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday June 12, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jimmy Dry
6:45: Ray Pillow (host); Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; James William Monroe; Jeannie C. Riley
7:30: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Stringbean; Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Connie Smith; Brother Oswald
8:30: Ernest Tubb (host); The 4 Guys; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kenny Price; Alton Thrasher

2nd show
9:30: Jack Greene (host); Willis Brothers; Jimmy Dry; Ernie Ashworth
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Hamilton County Bluegrass Band
10:15: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Stringbean; Jeannie C. Riley
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Del Wood
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Kenny Price; Crook Brothers
11:00: Billy Grammer (host); Connie Smith; Ray Pillow; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); The 4 Guys; Marion Worth
________________________________________________________________________

June 11, 1949. Every Grand Ole Opry fan in the world should know the significance of that date. Just in case there are new Opry fans out there, it was on that date 72 years ago that Hank Williams made his debut on the Opry. 

Here is the short version of Hank's story: 

In the tragically short life of country legend Hank Williams, there were many broken relationships, both personal and professional, that resulted from his self-destructive behavior. One such relationship was with the most important institution in his chosen field: The Grand Ole Opry. Shortly before it cost him his life, Hank’s drinking cost him his membership in the Opry, just three years after his triumphant debut. That debut, however, remains one of the most famous in the history of the live country-music performance program broadcast weekly on WSN Nashville since 1925. Hank Williams took to the microphone for his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 11, 1949, electrifying a live audience at Ryman Auditorium that called Williams out for six encores and had to be implored not to call him out for more in order to allow the rest of the show to go on.

Hank Williams was only 25 years old when he was invited to appear for the first time on the Grand Ole Opry. As a young man growing up dirt poor in southern Alabama, he began supporting his family at the age of seven by shining shoes and selling peanuts, but by 14 at least, he was already performing as a professional musician. The life of a “professional musician” playing the blood-bucket honky-tonks of the Deep South bore little resemblance to the lifestyle that would later become available to him, but it was there, in country music’s backwater proving grounds, that Hank Williams developed his heavily blues-influenced style and began writing his own music. Williams left music behind during WWII, but then he went to Nashville in 1946 hoping to sell some of his songs. Quickly signed to a publishing contract by one of Nashville’s most prominent music publishers, Fred Rose, Williams soon had a recording contract with MGM and his first hit record with “Move It On Over” (1947).

Williams’ heavy drinking had already earned him a reputation in the industry, however—a reputation that ruled out an invitation to appear on The Grand Ole Opry. It was the Opry’s biggest competition, The Louisiana Hayride, that first exposed Williams to a wide radio audience, but when his 1949 record “Lovesick Blues” became a monumental popular hit, the powers that be in Nashville relented, and Williams made his Opry debut. His performance on this day in 1949, during which he performed six encores of “Lovesick Blues” for a wildly enthusiastic live audience, led to regular appearances over the next three years, until the Opry fired Williams in July 1952 over his heavy drinking. Six months later, Hank Williams died of alcohol-induced heart failure at the age of 29.

Here is the running order from that famous night 72 years ago: 

7:30: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff: Low and Lonely
Tommy Magness: Black Mountain Rag
Dot & Smokey: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Jimmy Riddle: Dill Pickle Rag
Roy and Oswald: Eye From on High
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Take Me Back to My Old Carolina Home
Jug Band: Johnson's Old Grey Mule
Roy Acuff: Unclouded Day
Joe Zinkas: 12th Street Rag
Dot & Smokey: Are You Tired of Me Darling
Rachel & Oswald: Jesse James

8:00: Purina Show
Cowboy Copas: Dolly Dear
Uncle Dave Macon: Chewing Gum
George Morgan: Candy Kisses
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Girl I Left Behind Me
Cowboy Copas: Carless Hands
Lazy Jim Day: Singing The News
George Morgan: Rainbow in My Heart
Robert Lunn: Talking Blues
Hank Garland: Short Creek Shuffle
Cowboy Copas: One Step More

8:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley: Tennessee Polka
Tommy Wakeley: Try To Understand
Fowler Quartet: Old Blind Bartemus
Red Foley: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Jimmy Wakeley: Someday You'll Call My Name and I Won't Answer
Old Hickory Quartet: In the Good Ole Summertime
Red Foley: I'm Throwing Rice at the Girl I Love
Square Dance: Stony Point

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Possum Hunters: Widow McGraw
Roy Acuff: Tennessee Central Number 9
Jamup & Honey: Jokes
Jimmy Riddle: Wabash Blues
Jimmy Dickens: Cold Tater
Jug Band: Uncle Noah's Ark
Lonzo and Oscar: I Wish I Had A Nickle
Rachel & Oswald: Rabbit in the Log
Roy Acuff: Waiting for My Call to Glory
Bradley Kinkaid: Won't You Come Over to My House
Tommy Magness: Leather Britches

9:30: Warren Paint
Lew Childre: My Mammy
Ernest Tubb: Biting My Finger Nails and Thinking of You
Bill Monroe: To Be Announced
Hank Williams: Lovesick Blues
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Ernest Tubb: Daddy When Is Mommy Coming Home
String Beans: Cross Eyed Gal
Mel & Stan: I'll Gladly Take You Back Again
Bill Monroe: To Be Announced
Ernest Tubb: I Hung My Head and Cried

10:00: Wallrite
Bill Monroe: Kitty Clyde
Bradley Kinkaid: When I Was A Boy From the Mountains
Blue Grass Quartet: Goodbye Old Pal
Shenandoah Valley: Live and Let Live

10:15: Gaylark
Milton Estes: John Henry
Jimmy Dickens: Bible on the Table
Jimmy Selph: A Petal From A Faded Rose
Milton Estes: Build Me A Cabin in Glory

10:30: Royal Flour
Roy Acuff: Coming From the Ball
Uncle Dave Macon and Doris: Kissing on the Sly
Roy Acuff: Poem
Roy and Gang: Farther Along
Tommy Magness: Cackling Hen

10:45: Dr. Le Gear
Cowboy Copas: Package of Lies Tied in Blue
Mel & Stan: Two Little Rose Buds
Lazy Jim Day: Singing the News
Cowboy Copas: Waltzing With Tears in My Eyes
Red Herron: Sally Goodin

11:00: Allen Manufacturing Company
George Morgan: Need You
Hank Williams: Mind Your Own Business
Velma: The Little Kid Sister of Mine
George Morgan: Put All Your Love In A Cookie Jar
Gully Jumpers: Going Cross the Sea

11:15: Sustaining
Ernest Tubb: Don't Rob Another Man's Castle
Lew & String Bean: Darling Nelly Grey
Butter Ball: I Can't Go for That
Ernest Tubb: Frankie & Johnny

11:30: Sustaining
Jimmy Dickens: The Rose from the Brides Bouquet
Lonzo and Oscar: Sour Wood Mountain
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Jimmy Dickens: Pennies for Papa
Zeb Turner:

11:45: Sustaining
Wally Fowler: Lead Me to that Rock
Robert Lunn: Corina
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Jubilee
Wally Fowler: May the Circle Be Unbroken
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Leather Britches
Wally Fowler: Get on Board

Most accounts of that night have Hank on "The Prince Albert Show" portion of the Opry the was hosted by Red Foley. It has also been written that Hank was called back out for six encores with Red finally settling down the crowd by promising that Hank would be heard again on the Opry.

Roy Acuff had his own memory of Hank's debut and he has claimed that he was the one who first introduced Hank at the Opry. Roy had known Hank for several years, as the two had met in the early 1940s when Roy and his Smoky Mountain Boys did a concert in Montgomery, Alabama and Hank came backstage. On future trips, Hank would show up and would share songs with Roy, leading up to the 1946 audition that Hank did for Fred Rose.

In a 1967 interview, Roy said the following, "Vito, it would really be a feather in your cap if you could get this boy on the Opry.....I was glad to take Hank under my wing. I introduced him to everyone backstage and then brought him out on the stage and introduced him to the crowd. You might hear it a lot of ways, but that's the way it happened." (The Vito Roy is referring to is Vito Pellettieri, the Opry's stage manager.)

Then there was Grant Turner's memory of Hank's debut. "Hank brought that song 'Lovesick Blues' to the Opry. They brought him in that first night and put him in the boss's office so he could relax, and when it came him time, they brought him down, and Red Foley introduced him. People loved that 'Lovesick Blues' song so much, they kicked up the dust in the auditorium. The spotlights looked like they were picking up smoke, there was so much dust kicked up."

Finally, here is how Red Foley introduced Hank on the Prince Albert Opry. "Well, sir, tonight's big name guest is making his first appearance on Prince Albert Grand Ole Opry. He's a Montgomery, Alabama, boy. Been pickin' and singin' about twelve years, but it's been about the last year he's really come into his own, and we're proud to give a rousing Prince Albert welcome to the Lovesick Blues Boy, Hank Williams." (Notice that Red said Hank was making his "first appearance on the Prince Albert Opry"!!)

The facts are that it was neither Roy or Red who introduced Hank Williams his first night at the Opry, but instead it was Ernest Tubb, a fact that is confirmed not only by Ronnie Pugh's excellent Ernest Tubb biography, but from the actual line-up from that night.

On his first night at the Opry, June 11, 1949, Hank appeared on the Warren Paint portion of the Opry, which was "hosted" by Ernest Tubb. Ernest introduced Hank and he did sing "Lovesick Blues." He was then on again during the 11:00 portion sponsored by Allen Manufacturing Company and hosted by George Morgan. During that portion he did "Mind Your Own Business." Both Red Foley and Roy Acuff were on the Opry that night, but Hank did not appear during their segments.

Hank was back on the Opry the following Saturday night, June 18, and it was on that night that he did appear on the Prince Albert Show hosted by Red Foley and did "Lovesick Blues." Later on that portion, he did "Wedding Bells." He later appeared that night on the 11:30 segment hosted by Jimmy Dickens.

My opinion is that his June 11 debut was sort of an audition (which is how the Opry tried out new acts in those days), and the management wanted to see how Hank would go over. After the initial reception, the following week he was given a prime spot on the network show. The six encores definitely took place during the June 11 appearance as there is a recording of the June 18 Prince Albert portion and there was no encore by Hank as the PA portion was a tightly scripted 30 minute segment for network radio. For what it is worth, Jimmy Dickens was on the Opry both weeks, June 11 and 18, so he would have witnessed both events.

Time changes people's memories and I don't blame Roy or Red for having different versions of Hank's first night at the Opry. It is possible that Red was thinking of the Prince Albert Show, and not the Opry in general. And I am sure it was Roy who took Hank around backstage and introduced him to folks. Regardless, it was a great night in the Opry's history and many people today still consider it the greatest night in the history of the Opry.
__________________________________________________________________________

Finally, I want to post the line-up from Saturday June 11, 1988 for a couple of reasons. First, it was the night in which Patty Loveless became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It's her 33rd year as a member. It was also the night that future Opry member Holly Dunn made her Opry debut. Finally, it was the final show that the Crook Brothers were listed in the Opry program as the leader of the group, Herman Crook, an Opry original, had passed away earlier in the week. 

1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); The 4 Guys; Ramona Jones
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Lorrie Morgan
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis; Del Reeves; Charlie Louvin; Jan Howard
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Ray Pillow; David Houston; Patty Loveless
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Roy Drusky; Larry McNeely
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Billy Walker; Holly Dunn

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host); The 4 Guys; Jeannie Seely; Wilma Lee Cooper; Bill Carlisle; Roy Acuff
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Patty Loveless
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Del Reeves; Randy Pollard
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stonewall Jackson; Hank Locklin
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Crook Brothers; Stoney Mountain Cloggers; Charlie Walker
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Justin Tubb; Charlie Louvin; Holly Dunn
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeanne Pruett; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 
 

Tuesday Night Opry June 8

Some nights at the Opry are better then others. The upcoming Tuesday Night Opry is one of those as the line-up is very good, led by Grand Ole Opry member Carrie Underwood. Despite the fact that this will be Carrie's first Opry appearance of 2021, she has been a very good Opry member, generally fulfilling her commitment of 10 shows each year. She has set the standard for her fellow contemporary Opry members. 

Joining Carrie will be the Opry's newest member, Rhonda Vincent, who continues to show why she should have been an Opry member years ago. Her support of the Opry has been outstanding since becoming a member. Also appearing will be legendary Opry members Jeannie Seely and John Conlee. While Jeannie has led everyone in Opry appearances in 2021, it is nice to see John back in the Opry rotation. 

Guesting will be "Voice" winner Jake Hoot, along with Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz, comedian and Opry regular Henry Cho, and Lauren Alaina. 

7:00: John Conlee; Jake Hoot
7:30: Jeannie Seely; Lauren Alaina
8:00: Henry Cho; Rhonda Vincent
8:30: Don Schlitz; Carrie Underwood

Overall, a nice Tuesday night show. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/4 & 6/5

As many already know, former Grand Ole Opry member B.J. Thomas passed away last week after a battle with lung cancer. He was 78. 

Born in rural Hugo, OK, Billy Joe Thomas moved to Houston, Texas with his family and where he grew up absorbing a variety of musical influences from the traditional country of Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams Dr. to the soulful sounds of Jackie Wilson and Little Richard, whose “Miss Ann” was the first single B.J. ever bought. He began singing in church as a child and in his teens joined the Houston-based band the Triumphs.

Thomas’ career was anchored by numerous enduring hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song. A five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ years in the music industry. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years. Such memorable hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing, “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks From An Old Lover” and “Hooked on a Feeling” have made him a staple on multiple radio formats over the years.

Beyond populating multiple radio formats with so many beloved hits, Thomas also voiced the theme song, “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other,” for the popular TV series Growing Pains, and has lent his voice to numerous commercials, including campaigns for Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He can also be seen on television hosting Time Life Music’s Forever 70s infomercial. As an actor, he also appeared in the films Jory and Jake’s Corner. Thomas authored two books, including his autobiography Home Where I Belong.

Though Thomas will be remembered as one of this generation’s premiere vocalists and a consummate entertainer, the humble artist was most proud of his family. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years Gloria, their three daughters Paige Thomas, Nora Cloud, and Erin Moore, and four grandchildren, Nadia Cloud, Keira Cloud, Ruby Moore, and Billy Joe Moore.

B.J. Thomas became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on August 7, 1981. His time at the Opry was very short, as he made his last appearance as an Opry member on August 27, 1982. From what I was told, Opry membership wasn't what he thought it would be and he decided to move on. There were no hard feelings between B.J. and Opry management and B.J. would make guest appearances on the show after he left. 
________________________________________________________________________

Now looking at this weeks Grand Ole Opry shows and there are some familiar names on the schedule this weekend as several veterans who have been missing from the Opry will be making return appearances. 

On the Friday Night Opry Hall of Fame member Connie Smith is returning. Connie has been missing from the Opry for the past several months as she has been working on a new album. Additionally, one of the Opry's legendary members, Bobby Osborne will be making his first Opry appearance of 2021 and in fact, it will be his first Opry show in over a year. On Saturday night, Bill Anderson will be returning for just his 2nd appearance of the year. Bill wrote in his newsletter that he has several more June appearances on his schedule. Joining that group of Opry members this weekend will be Mark Wills and Riders In The Sky on the Friday Night Opry, while Jeannie Seely and Gary Levox are scheduled for Saturday night. 

Lauren Mascitti, who recently performed on the Opry with Shawn Camp, will be appearing as a solo artist on both shows this weekend, as will comedian Brad Upton. Appearing with those two on the Friday Night Opry will be Jason Ringenberg, who will be making his Opry debut, along with veteran entertainer, and Johnny Cash lover, Mark Collie, and LOCASH. Joining Lauren and Brad on Saturday night will be non-members Cassadee Pope, Hailey Whitters and the duo of Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley. 

In my opinion, the Circle televised segment, that will feature Cassadee Pope, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Hailey Whitters, along with Gary Levox, is not the strongest show that has been featured on the televised part of the Opry. While I am sure it will be a good hour, it just doesn't have the star power that we have come to expect on these Circle broadcasts. 

Friday June 4

7:00: Connie Smith; Mark Collie; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jason Ringenberg, Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Lauren Mascitti; Brad Upton; Riders In The Sky; LOCASH

Saturday June 5
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Lauren Mascitti; Bill Anderson; Brad Upton
8:00: Cassadee Pope; Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley; Hailey Whitters; Gary Levox

At first glance you would think there are no Opry members on the televised segment this week, but let's remember that Gary Levox is an Opry member,  as a member of Rascal Flatts.  After 20 years as front man to one of the most influential groups in Country history, Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox is embarking on a solo chapter that combines two of his biggest passions – music and faith.
__________________________________________________________________________

As mentioned, Jason Ringenberg will be making his Opry debut on Friday night. 

Ever since moving from his family’s hog farm in Southern Illinois to Nashville, TN in 1981, Jason Ringenberg has been an iconic Americana artist since day one. He has pioneered the genre from his high-energy roots-rock band, Jason & The Scorchers, to his Emmy Award-winning children’s music with Farmer Jason and to his solo efforts as himself carving out space all his own. Jason’s reverence of country music and rock music has always been his forte, mixing the sounds of Hank Williams, The Ramones, and a dash of Bob Dylan along with his tenor voice.

Jason has been awarded an Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award, a TV Emmy, and an exhibit in the Country Hall of Fame, but appearing on the Grand Old Opry is a total dream come true. Mojo Magazine in the U.K. calls Jason Ringenberg; “the Godfather of Americana music.”
________________________________________________________________________

And now, from 50 years ago, Saturday June 5, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: Bob Luman (host); Barbara Mandrell; Jerry Smith
6:45: Willis Brothers (host); Johnny Carver; Stringbean
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); June Stearns; Tommy Jones; Brother Oswald
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jay Lee Webb; Crook Brothers; Speck Rhodes
8:00: Billy Grammer (host); Skeeter Davis; Lonzo and Oscar; Tom T. Hall
8:30: The 4 Guys (host); Harold Weakley; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Louie Roberts

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Willis Brothers; Stringbean; Speck Rhodes
10:00: Lonzo and Oscar (host); Barbara Mandrell; Jerry Smith
10:15: Tom T. Hall (host); Jay Lee Webb
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Johnny Carver; Tommy Jones
10:45: Billy Grammer (host); June Stearns; Crook Brothers
11:00: The 4 Guys (host); Skeeter Davis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Marion Worth; Louie Roberts

Definitely a night short on Opry members. Bob Luman only did the first show, while Dolly Parton, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper were scheduled but cancelled.
___________________________________________________________________________

Now let's go back to June 4, 1966. This was night in which Mrs. Grissoms sponsored the opening segment of the Grand Ole Opry, replacing Luzianne which moved to another spot. Mrs. Grissoms would remain an Opry sponsor until the early 90s when they were replaced with GHS Strings. 

In 1955 a young secretary named Grace Grissom, decided to pursue her dream of becoming a business owner. Grace, along with support of her husband Herbert founded Mrs. Grissom’s Salads.

During that period of history, America was still recovering from the effects of WWII. There were no golden arches and the term “fast food” didn’t exist. Women had entered the workplace during the war and discovered life outside the home.

They also discovered the overwhelming challenge of preparing family meals from scratch after working all day in the factory.  One of Grace’s friends had a small, struggling company nearby that made prepared sandwich spreads and sold them through local grocery stores. Grace instinctively knew this was the business she had dreamed of starting.

Grace, and husband Herbert, became business partners with their friends and before long were making major improvements in the way the products were made and sold. Within a year, the Grissoms bought out their partners and Mrs. Grissom’s Salads was born.

Mrs. Grissoms is still in business today

Here is the running order from Saturday June 4, 1966: 

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Anderson (host): Truck Driving Man
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Ernie Ashworth: I Wish
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

6:45: Rudy's
Bobby Lord (host): Take the Bucket to the Well
Curly Fox: Orange Blossom Special
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning

7:00: National Life & Accident Insurance Company
(Jud Collins, MC)
Flatt and Scruggs: Memphis
Roy Drusky: Reel Me a Nanner
The Blue Boys: Four Walls/Adios, Amigo/He'll Have to Go
Marion Worth: 21 Days of Darkness
Flatt and Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Roy Drusky: Anymore
DeFord Bailey: Fox Chase/Love Struck Me Down
Marion Worth: The French Song
Flatt and Scruggs: When the Saints Go Marching In

7:30: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks a Lot
Skeeter Davis: If I Had Wheels
Charlie Louvin: Something's Wrong
Stringbean: Wake Up, Little Birdie
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Billy Grammer: Bonaparte's Retreat
Del Wood: 4-Leaf Clover
Charlie Louvin: You Finally Said Something Good
Ernest Tubb: Mississippi Gal

8:00: Martha White
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): It Is Easier to Say Than Do
Roy Drusky: White Lightening Express
Bob Luman: Poor Boy Blues
Marion Worth: He Called Me Baby
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Kenny Roberts: (?)
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Roy Drusky: Three Hearts in a Tangle

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Just a Friend
Tex Ritter: Take Him Fishin'
Margie Bowes: Look Who's Lonely
Jim Ed Brown: Regular on My Mind
Sam Smith: (?)
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of a Hillbilly Heaven
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back to the Mountains

9:00: Pet Milk
Jimmy Newman (host): Back Pocket Money
The Carter Family: I Walk the Line
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Norma Jean: Lonesome No. 1
Jimmy Newman: A Fallen Star
Anita Carter: I've Heard the Wind Blow Before
Bobby Bare: Blowing in the Wind/Worried Man Blues
Norma Jean: Go Cat Go
Jimmy Newman: Cry, Cry Darling

9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): You Don't Have to be a Baby to Cry
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
Del Wood: Tiger Rag
Ernest Tubb: Half a Mind
Skeeter Davis: If I Ever Get to Heaven
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Willis Brothers: Love Thy Neighbor
Ernest Tubb: Seaman's Blues

10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Cash on the Barrel Head
Norma Jean: I Wouldn't Buy a Used Car from Him
Bob Luman: Memphis
Bobby Lord: Losers Like Me

10:15: Pure
Wilburn Brothers (host): 
Knoxville Girl
Stringbean: Wanda
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: Someone Before Me

10:30: Harvey's
Roy Drusky (host): Rainbows & Roses
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
Broadway Buglers: Black Mountain Rag
Roy Drusky: Strangers

10:45: Newport
Jimmy Newman (host): Back Pocket Money
Bobby Bare: Four Strong Winds
Crook Brothers: (?)
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Jimmy Newman: Jambalaya

11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: It Started Again
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Sam Smith: Oh, Lonesome Me
Sam McGee: These Boots are Made for Walking
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You

11:30: Lava
Tex Ritter (host): The Boll Weevil
Willis Brothers: Gonna Swing 'Til My Rope Breaks
Loretta Lynn: Two Mules Pull this Wagon
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away from You
Tex Ritter: History Repeats Itself
Marion Worth: Somebody Had to Lose
Willis Brothers: Tumbling Tumbleweed
Wayne Gray: Wheels
Tex Ritter: There's a New Moon Over My Shoulder

A couple of interesting notes from that night: The 7:00 National Life and Accident Segment had Jud Collins as the MC. From what I can discover, this was filmed as part of the National Life and Accident Company sponsored Grand Ole Opry syndicated television programs. 

Jud Collins, along with Louie Buck and David Cobb, are considered as the first three announcers of the Grand Ole Opry. He was employed by WSM in 1940, and worked there for 37 years before retiring as Vice President WSM Inc. in 1977. WSM Radio duties included: news, special events and sports announcing. He announced the Grand Ole Opry programs on WSM, NBC and Mutual Networks. He also wrote announced and produced music programs for WSM and NBC, and was WSM Military Reporter for Army Maneuvers prior to World War II. In 1950, he became Nashville's first TV news anchor and for 20 years, served as principle anchor for all news programs on WSM-TV, Channel 4. He served as political commentator and anchor for WSM-TV election returns telecasts from 1950 to 1970, originated and hosted Nashville's first variety TV program "Noon", which won a radio Television Council Award for ten consecutive years. He was appointed News Director for WSM Radio and Television in 1964. In 1974, he became a member of the Board of Directors for Fidelity Federal of Tennessee (Regions Bank) and served as member of the Executive Committee and the Advertising Committee. Other business involvements include two years as news anchor for Channel 2 and from 1981-1985. 

Also included in that filmed segment was an appearance by DeFord Bailey. There has been much written over the years that after DeFord was fired by George D. Hay in 1941, he never came back to the Opry until 1974. Obviously that is not true as through the 60s, DeFord appeared a couple of times at the Opry. For those interested, there is video of his appearances on YouTube. 

_______________________________________________________________________

There you have it for this week. Thanks for reading and commenting and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry 6/2

 Coming off the Memorial Day weekend, the Opry begins the month of June with the Tuesday Night Opry. 

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Jamison Rodgers; Riders In The Sky; Jeff & Sheri Easter
8:00: Lindsey Ell; Chonda Pierce; Jon Pardi

Not a bad show with lots of variety.