Tomorrow starts the month of March, and as I have been doing at the start of each month, I wanted to review important Opry highlights and events that have taken place during the history of the Opry during the month.
Several Opry members joined the Opry during March. They are:
>Jesse McReynolds joined the Opry along with his late brother Jim, on March 2, 1964 (46 years).
>The Whites became Opry members on March 2, 1984 (26 years).
>Trisha Yearwood joined the Opry on March 13, 1999 (11 years).
>Jan Howard offically joined the Opry on March 27, 1971 (39 years).
>George Jones has his offical Opry induction date as March 31, 1973 (37 years).
In the case of Jan Howard, she had been a very frequent guest on the Opry and many people thought she was already a member. In the case of George Jones, he had been an Opry member earlier in his career and then left the show before returning as a member, although with infrequent Opry appearances).
Several Opry members are celebrating birthdays in March:
>Jan Howard was born March 13, 1930 (80 years old).
>Charley Pride was born March 13, 1938 (72 years old).
>Ranger Doug Green of Riders In The Sky was born on March 20, 1946 (64 years).
>Reba McEntire was born March 28, 1955 (55 years old).
Just an interesting note regarding Doug Green. He has a Masters Degree in Literature from Vanderbilt University and is noted as a country music historian and book author. He also is a member of The Time Jumpers, who perform every Monday night in Nashville at the Station Inn. Vince Gill is also a member of the group.
The following historical events in Opry history took place in March:
>March 1947, Grandpa Jones became an Opry member. (The exact date has been lost to history as back during that time period there was really no offical Opry induction).
>March 28, 1950, Hank Snow recorded "I'm Movin' On." Eventually, this became Hank's career record and saved his membership at the Opry. It stayed #1 on the country charts for 21 weeks.
>On March 22, 1952, Uncle Dave Macon died at the age of 82. One of the original pioneers of the Opry, he would eventually be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. He had last performed on the Opry just 3 weeks before his death.
>March 26, 1953, Jim Denny and Webb Pierce form Cedarwood Publishing Company in Nashville. Over time, this move would have a profound effect on the Opry, with Jim Denny eventually leaving WSM and the Opry, along with Webb Pierce and others.
>On March 5, 1963, Opry members Patsy Cline, Randy Hughes, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins were killed in a plance crash near Camden, Tennessee. On March 9, the Opry began that night's show with a silent prayer in memory of the trio and also in memory of Jack Anglin, of the duo Johnny and Jack, was was killed in an auto accident in route to a prayer service for Patsy Cline. Opry manager Ott Devine was quoted as saying to the audience, "to keep smiling, and to recall the happier occasions. I feel I can speak for all of them when I say...let's continue in the tradition of the Grand Ole Opry."
>On March 9, 1974, the final Grand Ole Opry show was broadcast from the Ryman Auditorium.
>On March 15, 1974, the final Friday Night Opry took place at the Ryman Auditorium. George Morgan hosted the final segment and ended the show with his hit, "Candy Kisses", and reminding everyone that he would see them tomorrow night at the new Opry House. (Of wish I am proud to say that I have a video of). After the Opry, Grand Ole Gospel took place, with the Rev. Jimmy Snow, along with Johnny and June Carter Cash, The Carter Family, Hank Snow, and many others. The ended the show with the song "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." On a side note, Garrison Keillor was covering the final Opry show that night and was inspired to start his own radio show, which he named, "A Prairie Home Companion".
>On March 16, 1974, the Opry performed its first show from the new Grand Ole Opry House. Of course, as we all know, Roy Acuff kicked off the show, which featured a guest appearance by President Richard Nixon and his wife. The Opry members appeared in alphabet order that night, and the first show lasted for almost four hours.
>On March 15, 1975, the Opry had to celebrate its first anniversary at the new Opry House at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium as flood waters from the Cumberland River flooded the parking lots and forced the Opry to move downtown. More than 7,000 people attended that night's show. (Interesting that there was no interest by the Opry to have the show at the Ryman Auditorium that night).
>March 4, 1978, the entire Grand Ole Opry was televised live for the first time on PBS, as part of an annual fund raiser. During the commerical breaks, PBS featured back stage features as they were prohibited from showing the commericals. This became an annual event for several years, and was always one of PBS's highest rated programs.(If anyone knows where there is a copy of that program, I would love to have it.
>On March 10, 1979, James Brown appeared at the Opry at the invitation of Porter Wagoner. In Porter's book, there is a great chapter on that night, especially the response of several Opry members including Jean Shepard and Roy Acuff. Let's just say that he was not well accepted by most Opry members, and many Opry members did not appear that night.
>March 7, 1983, TNN, The Nashville Network, debuted with Ralph Emery's show, Nashville Now. Starting in April, the Opry would be shown on this network for many years.
>In March 1985, Gaylord broadcasting bought Acuff-Rose music publishers for over $20 million dollars, and uses Acuff-Rose as the base to start it's own, Opryland Music Group.
That covers the high points for March. Enjoy!!!
On a personal note, if anyone wishes to contact me outside of this blog, feel free to. I enjoy the emails and responding to questions or comments that you prefer not to make on the board. My email address is: bfay54@gmail.com
And, tell your friends and neighbors about the blog.
Thanks....
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Grand Ole Opry 2/26 & 2/27---Updated
A few changes in this weekend's line-up. After being originally advertised as being on both shows this weekend, Marty Stuart will not be. Don't know why. Vince Gill has been added on Friday night, so that is a good trade-off. A couple of changes on Saturday night, with Jim Ed Brown now hosting a segment and Dailey & Vincent moving to an earlier slot. The line-up below reflects the updates.
The Grand Ole Opry has announced their line-up for this weekend's shows at the Opry House. There is one show on Friday night and one show on Saturday night. The thing that stands out this week is that the Opry has added an intermission to the Saturday night show. In my opinion, things just keep getting worse at the Opry. I have written before about the shorter shows, cutting to one Saturday show, no television and now a Saturday intermission. I just think that it changes the flow of the show and the way it is presented. Taking a 15 minute break during a radio show? I just don't know.
As far as the line-up this week, Josh Tompson is making his first Opry appearance, and he will be joined by Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert on the Friday night show. On Saturday night, The Band Perry makes a return appearance, along with Dailey & Vincent and Jimmy Wayne. Jewel was originally scheduled for Saturday night, but has cancelled. I know that she was on WWE's Monday Night Raw this past Monday as a guest host and was on crutches with a foot injury. Not sure if that had something to do with it.
Now for the line-ups
Friday February 26
7:00: John Conlee(host); The Whites; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Josh Thompson
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Mike Snider; Blake Shelton
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Connie Smith; Miranda Lambert
Saturday February 27
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; The Band Perry
7:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jack Greene; Dailey & Vincent
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jim Ed Brown(host); Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson(host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne
The Opry is resuming their Tuesday Night Opry, starting this coming Tuesday March 2. Here is the line-up for that show:
7:00 Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Jean Shepard; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:45: Bill Anderson; Chris Young
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Aaron Tippin
It will be interesting to see how Jimmy Dicken's voice holds out, doing both weekend shows and then the Tuesday Night Opry. I know that usually on the weekend, he sounds pretty good on Friday, but is a little weaker on Saturday night. Now adding Tuesday night. It was nice to see that he made a personal appearance in Florida last weekend with Jack Greene. He must be doing better to have done a road show.
The Grand Ole Opry has announced their line-up for this weekend's shows at the Opry House. There is one show on Friday night and one show on Saturday night. The thing that stands out this week is that the Opry has added an intermission to the Saturday night show. In my opinion, things just keep getting worse at the Opry. I have written before about the shorter shows, cutting to one Saturday show, no television and now a Saturday intermission. I just think that it changes the flow of the show and the way it is presented. Taking a 15 minute break during a radio show? I just don't know.
As far as the line-up this week, Josh Tompson is making his first Opry appearance, and he will be joined by Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert on the Friday night show. On Saturday night, The Band Perry makes a return appearance, along with Dailey & Vincent and Jimmy Wayne. Jewel was originally scheduled for Saturday night, but has cancelled. I know that she was on WWE's Monday Night Raw this past Monday as a guest host and was on crutches with a foot injury. Not sure if that had something to do with it.
Now for the line-ups
Friday February 26
7:00: John Conlee(host); The Whites; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Josh Thompson
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Mike Snider; Blake Shelton
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Connie Smith; Miranda Lambert
Saturday February 27
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; The Band Perry
7:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jack Greene; Dailey & Vincent
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jim Ed Brown(host); Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson(host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne
The Opry is resuming their Tuesday Night Opry, starting this coming Tuesday March 2. Here is the line-up for that show:
7:00 Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Jean Shepard; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:45: Bill Anderson; Chris Young
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Aaron Tippin
It will be interesting to see how Jimmy Dicken's voice holds out, doing both weekend shows and then the Tuesday Night Opry. I know that usually on the weekend, he sounds pretty good on Friday, but is a little weaker on Saturday night. Now adding Tuesday night. It was nice to see that he made a personal appearance in Florida last weekend with Jack Greene. He must be doing better to have done a road show.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame today announced its newest inductees. Elected in the veterans category were Jimmy Dean and Ferlin Husky, who tied for the most votes. From the non-performer catagory, Billy Sherrill was elected. And Don Williams was elected as the modern era candidate.
Jimmy Dean and Ferlin Husky should have been in the Hall of Fame years ago. I am not going to go through their career highlights, as it would take too long, but I am glad that they were both elected before they passed away. Ferlin has had some serious health issues this past year and Jimmy, in addition to his own health issues, had the tragedy of the fire that destroyed his home. Maybe the fact that they were in the news so much this past year inspired the voters to vote them in. Whatever the reason, the voters, in my opinion, got it right this year. The additional benefit of two individuals getting elected helps to clear up some of the backlog of candidates that has developed over the years, thanks to the policy of the Hall of Fame of only electing one person from each category each year.
While it is good news for Jimmy and Ferlin, it continues to be a disappointment for many other worthy candidates, including Jean Shepard. She has been a strong candidate for the past several years, but just can't seem to get the votes to get her in. Consideration was also given to Jim Ed Brown and The Browns and the Wilburn Brothers. Hopefully, all will eventually be elected.
Billy Sherrill was one of the great producers of all time, and deserves his spot in the Hall. Finally, Don Williams, the gentle giant, was elected. He certainly deserves to get in and I was somewhat suprised by his election as I thought there were other performers from his era who were equally strong, but were more in the public eye than Don. But, what a great voice and what great songs he had.
The modern era candidates include performers who have been in the business for 20 years or more. After electing Vince Gill, I like the fact that the voters have been electing members from this category who have been around for a while and have "waited their turn." While Vince is certainly Hall of Fame worthy, I thought he got in too soon. Don Williams was elected over other eligible candidates such as Reba McEntire, The Judds, Ricky Skaggs and Randy Travis. Ronnie Milsap also received consideration.
Congratulations to all the new members.
Jimmy Dean and Ferlin Husky should have been in the Hall of Fame years ago. I am not going to go through their career highlights, as it would take too long, but I am glad that they were both elected before they passed away. Ferlin has had some serious health issues this past year and Jimmy, in addition to his own health issues, had the tragedy of the fire that destroyed his home. Maybe the fact that they were in the news so much this past year inspired the voters to vote them in. Whatever the reason, the voters, in my opinion, got it right this year. The additional benefit of two individuals getting elected helps to clear up some of the backlog of candidates that has developed over the years, thanks to the policy of the Hall of Fame of only electing one person from each category each year.
While it is good news for Jimmy and Ferlin, it continues to be a disappointment for many other worthy candidates, including Jean Shepard. She has been a strong candidate for the past several years, but just can't seem to get the votes to get her in. Consideration was also given to Jim Ed Brown and The Browns and the Wilburn Brothers. Hopefully, all will eventually be elected.
Billy Sherrill was one of the great producers of all time, and deserves his spot in the Hall. Finally, Don Williams, the gentle giant, was elected. He certainly deserves to get in and I was somewhat suprised by his election as I thought there were other performers from his era who were equally strong, but were more in the public eye than Don. But, what a great voice and what great songs he had.
The modern era candidates include performers who have been in the business for 20 years or more. After electing Vince Gill, I like the fact that the voters have been electing members from this category who have been around for a while and have "waited their turn." While Vince is certainly Hall of Fame worthy, I thought he got in too soon. Don Williams was elected over other eligible candidates such as Reba McEntire, The Judds, Ricky Skaggs and Randy Travis. Ronnie Milsap also received consideration.
Congratulations to all the new members.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Grand Ole Opry-January 20 & 21, 1995
In a previous post regarding a classic Grand Ole Opry line-up, a couple of comments were made regarding Brother Oswald and the night that he was offically made a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Pete Kirby, aka Bashful Brother Oswald, officially joined the Opry on Saturday January 21, 1995. His induction was on the televised portion on TNN. Marty Stuart hosted that portion of the show and he was joined by Porter Wagoner and Boxcar Willie.
Beecher Ray Kirby was born near Sevierville, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains on December 26, 1911. He met Roy Acuff in Knoxville, Tennessee and joined the Smoky Mountain Boys at the Opry on January 8, 1939. He would stay a member and back-up Roy until Roy's death, over 50 years later. He acquired his nickname when Rachel Veach joined the group and he became her "great big Bashful Brother Oswald" and the name would stick for the rest of his life.
He is considered one of the greatest dobro players ever, and Roy featured him on many of his shows. He also played the banjo. After Roy's death, he continued to play the Opry with Charlie Collins. The night he joined the Opry all of the Opry members on stage sang "Wabash Cannonball" and he played along has he had done for the past 56 years. He passed away on October 17, 2002 at the age of 90. I was in attendance on the night that he became a member, and he was warmly welcomed as an Opry member and he was a very popular choice. He was loved and respected by all of the members of the Opry and it showed.
In honor of Brother Oswald:
Friday January 20, 1995
7:30: Cracker Barrel: Porter Wagoner(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C. Newman; Jeanne Pruett
8:00: Sheplers Western Wear/Rudys: Jimmy Dickens(host); Bill Carlisle; Jack Greene; Stu Phillips
8:30: Opry Book/Hamburger Helper: Grandpa Jones(host); Jim Ed Brown; Billy Walker; Mike Snider
9:00: Fiddlers Inn-Ramada Inn/Williamson Dickey Workwear: Hank Snow(host); The 4 Guys; Connie Smith; The Whites
9:30: Dollar General Store: Marty Stuart(host); Brother Oswald & Charlie; Charlie Louvin; Del Reeves; Boxcar Willie
10:00: True Value Hardware Stores: Bill Anderson(host); John Conlee; Ray Pillow; Alison Krauss
10:30: Georgia Boot: Bill Monroe(host); Stonewall Jackson; Charlie Walker; Harrington Brothers; Johnny Russell
Saturday January 21, 1995
First Show
6:30: GHS Strings: Grandpa Jones(host); Mike Snider
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame: Bill Monroe(host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Shoney's: Jimmy Dickens(host); The Whites; Stonewall Jackson; Jeanne Pruett; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Standard Candy: Marty Stuart(host); Porter Wagoner; Connie Smith; Brother Oswald & Charlie
8:00: Martha White: Bill Anderson(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Boxcar Willie; Charlie Louvin; Opry Squaredance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Velvetta Shells & Cheese: Hank Snow(host); The 4 Guys; Billy Walker; Doug Stone; Osborne Brothers
Second Show
9:30: Dollar General Store: Porter Wagoner(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Osborne Brothers; Stu Phillips; The Whites
10:00: Goodys Headache Powder: Grandpa Jones(host); Roy Drusky
10:15: Sunbeam Bread/Tennessee Pride: Bill Monroe(host); Ray Pillow
10:30: Gruhn Guitar: Marty Stuart(host); Boxcar Willie
10:45: Fairfield Nashville: Jimmy Dickens(host); Del Reeves; Opry Squaredance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00; Coke: Hank Snow(host); Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; Doug Stone
11:30: Cates Pickles: Bill Anderson(host); The 4 Guys; Jack Greene; Johnny Russell
A great line-up for all 3 shows and a great night for Brother Oswald
Beecher Ray Kirby was born near Sevierville, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains on December 26, 1911. He met Roy Acuff in Knoxville, Tennessee and joined the Smoky Mountain Boys at the Opry on January 8, 1939. He would stay a member and back-up Roy until Roy's death, over 50 years later. He acquired his nickname when Rachel Veach joined the group and he became her "great big Bashful Brother Oswald" and the name would stick for the rest of his life.
He is considered one of the greatest dobro players ever, and Roy featured him on many of his shows. He also played the banjo. After Roy's death, he continued to play the Opry with Charlie Collins. The night he joined the Opry all of the Opry members on stage sang "Wabash Cannonball" and he played along has he had done for the past 56 years. He passed away on October 17, 2002 at the age of 90. I was in attendance on the night that he became a member, and he was warmly welcomed as an Opry member and he was a very popular choice. He was loved and respected by all of the members of the Opry and it showed.
In honor of Brother Oswald:
Friday January 20, 1995
7:30: Cracker Barrel: Porter Wagoner(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C. Newman; Jeanne Pruett
8:00: Sheplers Western Wear/Rudys: Jimmy Dickens(host); Bill Carlisle; Jack Greene; Stu Phillips
8:30: Opry Book/Hamburger Helper: Grandpa Jones(host); Jim Ed Brown; Billy Walker; Mike Snider
9:00: Fiddlers Inn-Ramada Inn/Williamson Dickey Workwear: Hank Snow(host); The 4 Guys; Connie Smith; The Whites
9:30: Dollar General Store: Marty Stuart(host); Brother Oswald & Charlie; Charlie Louvin; Del Reeves; Boxcar Willie
10:00: True Value Hardware Stores: Bill Anderson(host); John Conlee; Ray Pillow; Alison Krauss
10:30: Georgia Boot: Bill Monroe(host); Stonewall Jackson; Charlie Walker; Harrington Brothers; Johnny Russell
Saturday January 21, 1995
First Show
6:30: GHS Strings: Grandpa Jones(host); Mike Snider
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame: Bill Monroe(host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Shoney's: Jimmy Dickens(host); The Whites; Stonewall Jackson; Jeanne Pruett; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Standard Candy: Marty Stuart(host); Porter Wagoner; Connie Smith; Brother Oswald & Charlie
8:00: Martha White: Bill Anderson(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Boxcar Willie; Charlie Louvin; Opry Squaredance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Velvetta Shells & Cheese: Hank Snow(host); The 4 Guys; Billy Walker; Doug Stone; Osborne Brothers
Second Show
9:30: Dollar General Store: Porter Wagoner(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Osborne Brothers; Stu Phillips; The Whites
10:00: Goodys Headache Powder: Grandpa Jones(host); Roy Drusky
10:15: Sunbeam Bread/Tennessee Pride: Bill Monroe(host); Ray Pillow
10:30: Gruhn Guitar: Marty Stuart(host); Boxcar Willie
10:45: Fairfield Nashville: Jimmy Dickens(host); Del Reeves; Opry Squaredance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00; Coke: Hank Snow(host); Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; Doug Stone
11:30: Cates Pickles: Bill Anderson(host); The 4 Guys; Jack Greene; Johnny Russell
A great line-up for all 3 shows and a great night for Brother Oswald
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Who Are Your Favorite Grand Ole Opry Stars?
A couple of weeks ago while my wife and I were returning home after a weekend in Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry, we were discussing the show and the weekend. She asked me a question that got me thinking. She asked, "Who is your favorite Opry performer?" It was an interesting question, because there are so many that I like on the Opry. Another way to put the question would be, "Is there any current Opry member that you get excited about when you see their name listed in the line-up?"
So I thought I would break this down from my own viewpoint. The Opry currently has 66 members, and while I would like to say that I like all of them, I don't. Mostly it just has to do with my personal taste in music, nothing personal against any of them.
With that, I thought I would give all of you my personal rankings in a couple of different areas as far as my favorite Opry members: (I considered only active members)
Favorite Female:
1) Patty Loveless
2) Connie Smith
3) Emmylou Harris
4) Pam Tillis
5) Lorrie Morgan
6) Loretta Lynn
Actually, it is probably a tie between Patty and Connie as I love them both.
Favorite Group:
1) Diamond Rio
2) Riders In The Sky
Not many groups currently on the Opry
Favorite Bluegrass:
1) Ricky Skaggs
2) Jesse McReynolds
3) Del McCoury
4) Alison Krauss
All are great bluegrass acts and the Opry has others just as good
Favorite Male:
1) Vince Gill
2) Marty Stuart
3) George Hamilton IV
4) Bill Anderson
5) Jim Ed Brown
6) John Conlee
7) Garth Brooks
8) Brad Paisley
9) Larry Gatlin
The Opry is really loaded with some great male performers
Favorite Legend:
1) Stonewall Jackson
2) Ray Pillow
3) Jimmy Dickens
4) Stu Phillips
5) Jan Howard
All are excellent
Taking all of those, here are my top 5 favorite Opry performers:
1) Vince Gill
2) Patty Loveless
3) Ricky Skaggs
4) Marty Stuart
5) George Hamilton IV
6) Jim Ed Brown
7) Bill Anderson
8) Emmylou Harris
Yes, I have more than 5, but that is ok.
Just my thoughts and ideas. I certainly want to hear from others.
So I thought I would break this down from my own viewpoint. The Opry currently has 66 members, and while I would like to say that I like all of them, I don't. Mostly it just has to do with my personal taste in music, nothing personal against any of them.
With that, I thought I would give all of you my personal rankings in a couple of different areas as far as my favorite Opry members: (I considered only active members)
Favorite Female:
1) Patty Loveless
2) Connie Smith
3) Emmylou Harris
4) Pam Tillis
5) Lorrie Morgan
6) Loretta Lynn
Actually, it is probably a tie between Patty and Connie as I love them both.
Favorite Group:
1) Diamond Rio
2) Riders In The Sky
Not many groups currently on the Opry
Favorite Bluegrass:
1) Ricky Skaggs
2) Jesse McReynolds
3) Del McCoury
4) Alison Krauss
All are great bluegrass acts and the Opry has others just as good
Favorite Male:
1) Vince Gill
2) Marty Stuart
3) George Hamilton IV
4) Bill Anderson
5) Jim Ed Brown
6) John Conlee
7) Garth Brooks
8) Brad Paisley
9) Larry Gatlin
The Opry is really loaded with some great male performers
Favorite Legend:
1) Stonewall Jackson
2) Ray Pillow
3) Jimmy Dickens
4) Stu Phillips
5) Jan Howard
All are excellent
Taking all of those, here are my top 5 favorite Opry performers:
1) Vince Gill
2) Patty Loveless
3) Ricky Skaggs
4) Marty Stuart
5) George Hamilton IV
6) Jim Ed Brown
7) Bill Anderson
8) Emmylou Harris
Yes, I have more than 5, but that is ok.
Just my thoughts and ideas. I certainly want to hear from others.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Grand Ole Opry Line-Up 2/19 & 2/20
The Grand Ole Opry has announced their line-up for the shows this weekend. It is a pretty good line-up of stars including Montgomery Gentry, Dierks Bentley and Marty Stuart. Also, no Jimmy Dickens this weekend.
But, the big news to me and the thing that caught my eye is that they have added an intermission to the Friday night show!!! In my mind, and after seeing the intermission added on the Tuesday night and Thursday night shows, it was just a matter of time until they started messing with the weekend shows. At least for this week, there is no intermission listed for the Saturday night show. But for how long, and why add an intermission to just the Friday show? I think they are testing it out and seeing how it works out and eventually it will get added on Saturday night. Once you start doing that, you are really messing with the flagship show.
In the surveys that they probably did, the response back from the ticket buyers was that an intermission was a good idea so that none of the show would be missed while they went out and bought refreshments or went to the restroom. But, with the video monitors in the refreshment areas and even in the restrooms, nobody was missing anything. By adding an intermission, management is encouraging the customers to leave their seats and spend more money, which is probably the idea.
I love the tradition of the Grand Ole Opry. Over the past several years, Pete Fisher or whoever is making the final decisions, have raised ticket prices to an extremely high level, have shortened the length of the shows, have cut out the 2nd Saturday show on most weekends and have reduced the number of artists performing per show. Now, an intermission is added. They always say before each show that the Opry is a radio show and not a concert. By adding an intermission, management is treating an Opry performance more like a concert than a radio show. I just don't like it!!!
Now for this weekend's line-ups:
Friday February 19
7:00: Diamond Rio(host); Riders In The Sky; Del McCoury Band
7:30: John Conlee(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Craig Morgan
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Charlie Louvin; Montgomery Gentry
8:45: Mike Snider(host); Jim Ed Brown; Dierks Bentley
Saturday February 20
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); The Whites; Tracy Lawrence
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; Kellie Pickler
8:00: Marty Stuart(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson(host); Stonewall Jackson; Jeannie Seely; Craig Morgan
One other thing that I have noticed for the past several months. In the segments where there is a legend as the only guest along with a "star" performer, they are only letting the legend do 1 song. Let's see if they do that again this week with Charlie Louvin, Jesse McReynolds and Bobby Osborne. I think if they are tight on time, they use this time period to catch up. But, I also noticed that the week I attended, the final segment had Jesse McReynolds and the Oak Ridge Boys as guests, and Jesse McReynolds did one number while the Oak Ridge Boys did 3. Just something to watch for.
But, the big news to me and the thing that caught my eye is that they have added an intermission to the Friday night show!!! In my mind, and after seeing the intermission added on the Tuesday night and Thursday night shows, it was just a matter of time until they started messing with the weekend shows. At least for this week, there is no intermission listed for the Saturday night show. But for how long, and why add an intermission to just the Friday show? I think they are testing it out and seeing how it works out and eventually it will get added on Saturday night. Once you start doing that, you are really messing with the flagship show.
In the surveys that they probably did, the response back from the ticket buyers was that an intermission was a good idea so that none of the show would be missed while they went out and bought refreshments or went to the restroom. But, with the video monitors in the refreshment areas and even in the restrooms, nobody was missing anything. By adding an intermission, management is encouraging the customers to leave their seats and spend more money, which is probably the idea.
I love the tradition of the Grand Ole Opry. Over the past several years, Pete Fisher or whoever is making the final decisions, have raised ticket prices to an extremely high level, have shortened the length of the shows, have cut out the 2nd Saturday show on most weekends and have reduced the number of artists performing per show. Now, an intermission is added. They always say before each show that the Opry is a radio show and not a concert. By adding an intermission, management is treating an Opry performance more like a concert than a radio show. I just don't like it!!!
Now for this weekend's line-ups:
Friday February 19
7:00: Diamond Rio(host); Riders In The Sky; Del McCoury Band
7:30: John Conlee(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Craig Morgan
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Charlie Louvin; Montgomery Gentry
8:45: Mike Snider(host); Jim Ed Brown; Dierks Bentley
Saturday February 20
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); The Whites; Tracy Lawrence
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; Kellie Pickler
8:00: Marty Stuart(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson(host); Stonewall Jackson; Jeannie Seely; Craig Morgan
One other thing that I have noticed for the past several months. In the segments where there is a legend as the only guest along with a "star" performer, they are only letting the legend do 1 song. Let's see if they do that again this week with Charlie Louvin, Jesse McReynolds and Bobby Osborne. I think if they are tight on time, they use this time period to catch up. But, I also noticed that the week I attended, the final segment had Jesse McReynolds and the Oak Ridge Boys as guests, and Jesse McReynolds did one number while the Oak Ridge Boys did 3. Just something to watch for.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Grand Ole Opry Line-up 2/12/1993 & 2/13/1993
Here is another in our series of classic Grand Ole Opry line-ups from the past. This line-up is from the weekend of February 12 & 13, 1993, which are the same dates as this upcoming weekend. 17 years ago this weekend, there was one show on Friday night, from 7:30-11:00 and two shows on Saturday, 6:30-9:00 and 9:30-12:00. If you are adding up at home, that is eight and a half hours of music over the two days compared to four hours that is taking place this weekend. To put it another way, tonight's Friday Night Opry has 14 artists compared to 29 in 1993. Saturday's Grand Ole Opry also has 14 artists compared to 30 different artists then. Finally, the ticket price for the 1993 show was $16.24 for a prime seat, compared to a ticket cost of $54.00 for a prime seat this weekend!!!! Let's see if this makes sense: a significant higher ticket price and less acts. To me, not a way to run a business!!!
Friday February 12, 1993
7:30 Cracker Barrel: Porter Wagoner(host); Jeanne Pruett, Charlie Walker Mel McDaniel
8:00 Bush Beans/Rudys: Bill Anderson(host); Skeeter Davis; Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard
8:30 Opry Tours/Hamburger Helper: Bill Monroe(host); Del Reeves; Connie Smith; Mike Snider
9:00 TNNR/Nabisco: Hank Snow(host); Billy Walker; Jan Howard; The Whites
9:30 Dollar General Stores: Grandpa Jones(host); The 4 Guys; The Carlisles; Ray Pillow; Holly Dunn
10:00 TNN: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Justin Tubb; Smoky Mountain Boys; Boxcar Willie
10:30 Opry Book: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; George Hamilton IV; Johnny Russell
11:05 Grand Ole Gospel Time: Rev. Jimmy Snow
Saturday February 13, 1993
First Show
6:30 GHS Strings: Boxcar Willie(host); Billy Walker
6;45 Country Music Hall of Fame: Grandpa Jones(host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown
7:00 Shoney's: Bill Monore(host); Ray Pillow; Skeeter Davis; The 4 Guys; Mel McDaniel
7:30 Standard Candy: Jack Greene(host); Riders In The Sky; George Hamilton IV; Holly Dunn
8:00 Martha White: Porter Wagoner(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Smoky Mountain Boys; Connie Smith; Opry Squaredance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30 Kraft: Hank Snow(host); The Whites; Roy Drusky; Jeanne Pruett; Mike Snider
Second Show
9:30 Dollar General Stores: Porter Wagoner(host); Jack Greene; Charlie Walker; Stonewall Jackson; Jan Howard
10:00 Little Debbie Snack Cakes: Grandpa Jones(host); Holly Dunn
10:15 Sunbeam Bread/Tennessee Pride: Bill Monroe(host); Jim Ed Brown
10:30 Grand Ole Opry Tours: Boxcar Willie(host); Jeannie Seely
10:45 B.C. Powder: The 4 Guys(host); The Carlisles; Opry Squaredance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00 Coke: Hank Snow(host); The Whites; Justin Tubb; Riders In The Sky
11:30 TNN: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Roy Drusky; Connie Smith; Johnny Russell
>If you are counting at home, both shows featured all Opry members (if you count the Smoky Mountain Boys).
>The 7:30 portion was televised live by TNN.
>Even though it was only 17 years ago, of the 29 artists on the Friday night show in 1993, only 5 of those artists are on the show tonight. And, of those 29 artists, 5 were members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, compared with 1 Hall of Famer on tonight's show. Finally, on a sad note, of the 29 artists from 1993, 12 of them have passed away.
Life comes at you pretty quick, so take the time to enjoy the legends that are left today.
Friday February 12, 1993
7:30 Cracker Barrel: Porter Wagoner(host); Jeanne Pruett, Charlie Walker Mel McDaniel
8:00 Bush Beans/Rudys: Bill Anderson(host); Skeeter Davis; Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard
8:30 Opry Tours/Hamburger Helper: Bill Monroe(host); Del Reeves; Connie Smith; Mike Snider
9:00 TNNR/Nabisco: Hank Snow(host); Billy Walker; Jan Howard; The Whites
9:30 Dollar General Stores: Grandpa Jones(host); The 4 Guys; The Carlisles; Ray Pillow; Holly Dunn
10:00 TNN: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Justin Tubb; Smoky Mountain Boys; Boxcar Willie
10:30 Opry Book: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; George Hamilton IV; Johnny Russell
11:05 Grand Ole Gospel Time: Rev. Jimmy Snow
Saturday February 13, 1993
First Show
6:30 GHS Strings: Boxcar Willie(host); Billy Walker
6;45 Country Music Hall of Fame: Grandpa Jones(host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown
7:00 Shoney's: Bill Monore(host); Ray Pillow; Skeeter Davis; The 4 Guys; Mel McDaniel
7:30 Standard Candy: Jack Greene(host); Riders In The Sky; George Hamilton IV; Holly Dunn
8:00 Martha White: Porter Wagoner(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Smoky Mountain Boys; Connie Smith; Opry Squaredance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30 Kraft: Hank Snow(host); The Whites; Roy Drusky; Jeanne Pruett; Mike Snider
Second Show
9:30 Dollar General Stores: Porter Wagoner(host); Jack Greene; Charlie Walker; Stonewall Jackson; Jan Howard
10:00 Little Debbie Snack Cakes: Grandpa Jones(host); Holly Dunn
10:15 Sunbeam Bread/Tennessee Pride: Bill Monroe(host); Jim Ed Brown
10:30 Grand Ole Opry Tours: Boxcar Willie(host); Jeannie Seely
10:45 B.C. Powder: The 4 Guys(host); The Carlisles; Opry Squaredance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00 Coke: Hank Snow(host); The Whites; Justin Tubb; Riders In The Sky
11:30 TNN: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Roy Drusky; Connie Smith; Johnny Russell
>If you are counting at home, both shows featured all Opry members (if you count the Smoky Mountain Boys).
>The 7:30 portion was televised live by TNN.
>Even though it was only 17 years ago, of the 29 artists on the Friday night show in 1993, only 5 of those artists are on the show tonight. And, of those 29 artists, 5 were members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, compared with 1 Hall of Famer on tonight's show. Finally, on a sad note, of the 29 artists from 1993, 12 of them have passed away.
Life comes at you pretty quick, so take the time to enjoy the legends that are left today.
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