I did not want today to pass without taking a moment to remember Skeeter Davis, who was born on December 30, 1931. To say that Skeeter had a difficult life would be an understatement. Her given name was Mary Francis Penick, and she was born and raised in Kentucky. She received the nickname of Skeeter early in her life, from her grandfather. As far as the last name of Davis, that came from her duet partner, Billy Jack Davis, and together they performed as the Davis Sisters. In 1953, they achieved a #1 record, with the hit, "I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know". It was in August of 1953 that Skeeter and Billy Jack were involved in a serious car accident that took the life of Billy Jack and severly injured Skeeter.
In 1956, Skeeter started to record as a single act, under Chet Atkins at RCA Records. She charted a number of hits over the next several years, culminating in the #1 song, "The End of the World", which would become Skeeter's most famous song. The hits would continue through the rest of the 1960's.
She would join the Grand Ole Opry in August 1959. Her Opry career was not without some controversy. In 1973, she dedicated a song to evangelists who were outside and being harassed by the Nashville police. For that, and other political and religious statements that she made at the Opry, she was suspended from the show in 1974. Over a year later, she was reinstated.
Skeeter at one time was married to Ralph Emery, and in books written by both Skeeter and Ralph, they each gave their side to what was not a very good marriage. I think Ralph got the best line of the two, when in his book, "Memories", he wrote, "I thought about including a chapter here, with a headline reading, 'Things I Enjoyed About My Marriage to Skeeter Davis'. I was going to leave the pages blank. No one would have been hurt by the text, and the idea seemed clever".
Skeeter battled a lot of health issues during the last decade of her life, including breast cancer. She was a survivor and would continue to play the Opry as the cancer spread to her bones. She was famous for wearing colorful, full length skirts with usually a head band, or cover.
She would remain a member of the Opry until her death on September 19, 2004. As she battled cancer and she became weaker, she was forced to give up her Opry appearances. In 2000, she appeared on the show 63 times, but that would drop in 2001 to just 4. Her last Opry appearances were on Saturday night, February 3, 2001, when she appeared on both of the Saturday night shows.
In honor of Skeeter Davis, who would have turned 79 today, here is the Opry line-up from Saturday February 3, 2001.
6:30: Porter Wagoner(host); The Whites; Bill Carlisle; Jim & Jesse; Jack Greene
7:00: Jean Shepard(host); Wilkinsons; Billy Walker; Hal Ketchum; Peasall Sisters; Alison Krauss & Union Station; Emmylou Harris
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Skeeter Davis; Mike Snider; Holly Dunn; Opry Squaredance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Del Reeves; Vince Gill
9:30: Porter Wagoner(host); The Whites; Skeeter Davis; Peasall Sisters; Vince Gill
10:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Billy Walker; Alison Krauss & Union Station
10:30: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Osborne Brothers; Wilkinsons; Opry Squaredance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Stonewall Jackson; Mike Snider; Emmylou Harris
11:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Charlie Walker; Hal Ketchum
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Grand Ole Opry Line-Up 12/31 & 1/1
The Grand Ole Opry will say goodbye to what has probably been it's most challenging year in history on Friday night, while on Saturday, they will welcome in 2011. This week also looks like the return of Jimmy Dickens to the Opry stage, as he is scheduled for both nights. Jimmy has missed the last couple of weeks after being hospitalized with pneumonia. Emmylou Harris is also scheduled for both nights this weekend. Saturday night will feature the annual appearance by Jett Williams, giving the Opry a chance to honor the memory of her father, Hank Williams, who died on January 1, 1953. And I see that Charlie Louvin is also scheduled on Saturday night.
Friday December 31
7:00: Mike Snider(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Jack Greene; Craig Campbell
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; Michael Cleveland & Flamkeeper
8:00: Riders In The Sky(host); George Hamilton IV; John Conlee; Elizabeth Cook
8:30: Emmylou Harris(host); The Whites; Old Crow Medicine Show
Saturday January 1
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; Jett Williams
7:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Troy Olsen; The Bowling Family
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Restless Heart; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Emmylou Harris(host); Charlie Louvin; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Buddy Miller
It does look like the Opry is covering itself in case Jimmy Dickens cannot make it. The options on Friday night include having either Jean Shepard moving up to host, or sliding John Conlee over from the 3rd segment to host. On Saturday night, Jean again could step into the host role.
You never know with the Opry, but I find it interesting that this week they list an intermission for Saturday night, but not for Friday. I am sure there will be an intermission both nights, but maybe they wanted to get the folks out a little earlier on New Years Eve.
After the 1st of the year, I will post my annual recap of the Opry's year, including the number of Opry shows during 2010 and number of Opry appearances by each artist.
Friday December 31
7:00: Mike Snider(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Jack Greene; Craig Campbell
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; Michael Cleveland & Flamkeeper
8:00: Riders In The Sky(host); George Hamilton IV; John Conlee; Elizabeth Cook
8:30: Emmylou Harris(host); The Whites; Old Crow Medicine Show
Saturday January 1
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; Jett Williams
7:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Troy Olsen; The Bowling Family
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Restless Heart; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Emmylou Harris(host); Charlie Louvin; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Buddy Miller
It does look like the Opry is covering itself in case Jimmy Dickens cannot make it. The options on Friday night include having either Jean Shepard moving up to host, or sliding John Conlee over from the 3rd segment to host. On Saturday night, Jean again could step into the host role.
You never know with the Opry, but I find it interesting that this week they list an intermission for Saturday night, but not for Friday. I am sure there will be an intermission both nights, but maybe they wanted to get the folks out a little earlier on New Years Eve.
After the 1st of the year, I will post my annual recap of the Opry's year, including the number of Opry shows during 2010 and number of Opry appearances by each artist.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers 12/25/1976
On Christmas night, December 25, 1976, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Steve and Rudy, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. To the best of my knowledge, they are the only Opry members to have joined on Christmas day. Larry was, and still is, a great songwriter and it was that talent that led him to Nashville. Larry started on his own, but wanted to work with his brothers, which led to him writing his own material.
They had their 1st #1 record in 1976 with "Broken Lady." Their hits continued through the rest of the 1970's and 1980's. As their recording careers stalled out, Larry went his separate ways from Steve and Rudy and began to do solo projects. They reunited in 2002 and then again in 2009 with tours and recordings.
Larry was close to Johnny Cash, and in fact, named one of his children after John. Much like John, Larry also battled a serious drug problem, that after treatment, he was able to overcome.
As far as the Opry, Larry has made many solo appearances over the years as well as with his brothers. In 2009, Larry became the main host for the Opry Country Classics show on Thursday nights, and he does a great job. His brothers join him on occasion. Like many others, when Larry first joined the Opry, he appeared on a somewhat regular basis. As the years went on, his appearances became more infrequent. In fact, from 2000 thru 2008, prior to when he started to host the classics show, he appeared on the Opry a total of 9 times. While he has a regular hosting job with the classics program, he still makes very few Saturday night appearances. But, at least he has re-established his relationship with the Opry.
Here is the line-up from Christmas night, December 25, 1976, when The Gatlin Brothers became official members of the Grand Ole Opry.
First Show
6:00: Bill Monroe(host); Ray Pillow; Marion Worth; Lonzo; Ernie Ashworth
6:30: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper(host); Charlie Louvin; Del Wood
6:45: Ernest Tubb(host); Skeeter Davis; Billy Grammer
7:00: Roy Acuff(host); Charlie Walker; Minnie Pearl; Jimmy C. Newman; Stu Phillips
7:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Dottie West; Justin Tubb; The Gatlins; Crook Brothers; Opry Square Dancers
8:00: Lester Flatt(host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Vic Willis; Bob Luman
8:30: Hank Snow(host); Jeanne Pruett; Stonewall Jackson; Carlisles; Jim & Jesse; Fruit Jar Drinkers
Second Show
9:30: Charlie Louvin(host); Ernest Tubb; Skeeter Davis; Lonzo; Billy Grammer
10:00: Bill Monroe(host); Ray Pillow; Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff(host); Marion Worth; Charlie Walker
10:30: Lester Flatt(host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Jimmy C. Newman
10:45: Porter Wagoner(host); Justin Tubb; The Gatlins; Crook Brothers; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow(host); Bob Luman; Vic Willis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins(host); Jeanne Pruett; Carlisles
Yes, this was the period of time when the 1st Opry show started at 6:00 and was a 3 hour show. It's kind of funny that during the winter months, they would sometimes do a 3 hour Saturday night first show because so many Opry members were in town and wanted to be on. During the summer, they would go back to starting at 6:30. Also, I have the square dancers listed. I am not sure if it was the Bill Jones Promenadors, The Tennessee Travelers or The Stoney Mountain Cloggers that were on this particular week. What a line-up!!!
They had their 1st #1 record in 1976 with "Broken Lady." Their hits continued through the rest of the 1970's and 1980's. As their recording careers stalled out, Larry went his separate ways from Steve and Rudy and began to do solo projects. They reunited in 2002 and then again in 2009 with tours and recordings.
Larry was close to Johnny Cash, and in fact, named one of his children after John. Much like John, Larry also battled a serious drug problem, that after treatment, he was able to overcome.
As far as the Opry, Larry has made many solo appearances over the years as well as with his brothers. In 2009, Larry became the main host for the Opry Country Classics show on Thursday nights, and he does a great job. His brothers join him on occasion. Like many others, when Larry first joined the Opry, he appeared on a somewhat regular basis. As the years went on, his appearances became more infrequent. In fact, from 2000 thru 2008, prior to when he started to host the classics show, he appeared on the Opry a total of 9 times. While he has a regular hosting job with the classics program, he still makes very few Saturday night appearances. But, at least he has re-established his relationship with the Opry.
Here is the line-up from Christmas night, December 25, 1976, when The Gatlin Brothers became official members of the Grand Ole Opry.
First Show
6:00: Bill Monroe(host); Ray Pillow; Marion Worth; Lonzo; Ernie Ashworth
6:30: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper(host); Charlie Louvin; Del Wood
6:45: Ernest Tubb(host); Skeeter Davis; Billy Grammer
7:00: Roy Acuff(host); Charlie Walker; Minnie Pearl; Jimmy C. Newman; Stu Phillips
7:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Dottie West; Justin Tubb; The Gatlins; Crook Brothers; Opry Square Dancers
8:00: Lester Flatt(host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Vic Willis; Bob Luman
8:30: Hank Snow(host); Jeanne Pruett; Stonewall Jackson; Carlisles; Jim & Jesse; Fruit Jar Drinkers
Second Show
9:30: Charlie Louvin(host); Ernest Tubb; Skeeter Davis; Lonzo; Billy Grammer
10:00: Bill Monroe(host); Ray Pillow; Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff(host); Marion Worth; Charlie Walker
10:30: Lester Flatt(host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Jimmy C. Newman
10:45: Porter Wagoner(host); Justin Tubb; The Gatlins; Crook Brothers; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow(host); Bob Luman; Vic Willis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins(host); Jeanne Pruett; Carlisles
Yes, this was the period of time when the 1st Opry show started at 6:00 and was a 3 hour show. It's kind of funny that during the winter months, they would sometimes do a 3 hour Saturday night first show because so many Opry members were in town and wanted to be on. During the summer, they would go back to starting at 6:30. Also, I have the square dancers listed. I am not sure if it was the Bill Jones Promenadors, The Tennessee Travelers or The Stoney Mountain Cloggers that were on this particular week. What a line-up!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
2010 Christmas Greetings And Wishes
I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I hope that it is a blessed day for all of you. I also hope that Santa brings you everything you asked for. As far as the Grand Ole Opry, I have some greetings to sent to them also, and also my own Christmas "wish list" for the Opry:
To Pete Fisher, I hope for a new Opry television contract, and for RFD-TV, I hope you are the ones to get it. And, I hope that you will consider more on-line streaming of the Opry shows. And, please don't mess with the show any more. Most of us thought it was fine the way it was.
For Jimmy Dickens, Roy Clark and Charlie Louvin, better health and a hope that you will still be making regular Opry appearances. For Bill Anderson, congratulations on your upcoming 50th anniversary as an Opry member, and good health to you this year.
For Jim Ed Brown, Charlie Daniels, George Hamilton IV and Jean Shepard, a call from the Country Music Hall of Fame welcoming you as a new member. For Wilma Lee Cooper, and Mel McDaniel, a return to good health. And for Mel, good luck on your new CD and tour and a return to the Opry stage. I hope it happens. And continued good health to the "older" Opry members, such as Jack Greene, Jan Howard and Jimmy C. Newman.
To veteran Opry members such as Ray Pillow, Stu Phillips and Stonewall Jackson, my Christmas wish is for more Opry appearances from each of you. Please Pete, call them more often. They enjoy playing the Opry as much as we enjoy hearing them. To Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky, thanks for keeping humor on the Opry stage. To Vince Gill, Marty Stuart and Ricky Skaggs, thanks for supporting the Opry over the years and the hope is that you will continue to do that. For Blake Shelton, the Opry's newest member, please don't forget for the Opry is at. And for Rhonda Vincent and Gene Watson, a call from Pete Fisher asking you to become an Opry member.
To Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Tom T. Hall, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Travis Tritt, a GPS system for your car locked into 2804 Opryland Drive. And to Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap and Dolly Parton thanks for returning to the Opry stage this year, and now, please don't be strangers. To Loretta Lynn and George Jones, a wish that you realize how important the Opry was to your career and a return to the Opry stage more often. And to Hal Ketchum, please come back soon. The Opry misses you.
To Bobby Osborne, Jesse McReynolds, Ralph Stanley and Del McCoury, thanks for carrying on the bluegrass tradition at the Opry. And to Alison Krauss, please join them. To Jeanne Pruett, Barbara Mandrell, Billy Grammer and Ricky Van Shelton, continue to enjoy your retirement from the music business. All of you have earned it.
To Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan, Josh Turner, Montgomery Gentry, Carrie Underwood and Dierks Bentley, keep remembering where the Opry House is. And to Brad Paisley, thanks for a recommitment to the show this past year. Your support of the show is vital.
To Mandy Barnett, Elizabeth Cook, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Holly Williams, thanks for answering the phone when Pete calls to fill out a line-up. Also, my wish is that each of you has a million selling record this year.
To Connie Smith, Emmylou Harris and Patty Loveless, my wish is that three of the sweetest voices on the Opry continue to keep those voices. And Patty, the Opry is still there for you. It needs you more than once a year. And to John Conlee, Mel Tillis, Steve Wariner, Charlie Pride, Jeannie Seely and the Whites, my wish is that you give the Opry another year of good performances.
To Martina McBride, Terri Clark, Joe Diffie, Diamond Rio, Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis, thanks for supporting the show, but please give us more performances. And to Larry Gatlin, thanks for hosting the Opry Classics show and for bringing your down home style to the show.
To all the non-Opry members who came out to do the Opry this past year, thanks. There were too many to mention, but my wish is that we see more of you this year. You help to keep the show fresh and help to fill out the line-up when the missing Opry members do not appear.
To Mike Terry and Eddie Stubbs, thanks for the great introductions that you give us each week on the show. To the Carol Lee Singers, thanks for the great backup vocals you give us each week, and to the Opry staff band, thanks.
To Gaylord Entertainment, thanks to your commitment to the show this past year. You showed me a lot after the flood. You kept the show going, even when it was hard to find a suitable location, you saved the historical artifacts and the fans remained loyal to the show. Thanks for getting the Opry House up and running again, and thanks for updating the dressing rooms and backstage area. And please, don't forget the Opry's historic past and restore the Opry Museum soon.
And to all the Opry fans, please continue to support the show. Some weeks it is not easy, but, if we are not in the audience or listening on the radio, there would be no Opry. And, thanks for reading and commenting on the blog. I enjoy the chat and the emails you send. Thanks!!
Finally, Merry Christmas to all and a great New Year:
Byron
aka: Fayfare
To Pete Fisher, I hope for a new Opry television contract, and for RFD-TV, I hope you are the ones to get it. And, I hope that you will consider more on-line streaming of the Opry shows. And, please don't mess with the show any more. Most of us thought it was fine the way it was.
For Jimmy Dickens, Roy Clark and Charlie Louvin, better health and a hope that you will still be making regular Opry appearances. For Bill Anderson, congratulations on your upcoming 50th anniversary as an Opry member, and good health to you this year.
For Jim Ed Brown, Charlie Daniels, George Hamilton IV and Jean Shepard, a call from the Country Music Hall of Fame welcoming you as a new member. For Wilma Lee Cooper, and Mel McDaniel, a return to good health. And for Mel, good luck on your new CD and tour and a return to the Opry stage. I hope it happens. And continued good health to the "older" Opry members, such as Jack Greene, Jan Howard and Jimmy C. Newman.
To veteran Opry members such as Ray Pillow, Stu Phillips and Stonewall Jackson, my Christmas wish is for more Opry appearances from each of you. Please Pete, call them more often. They enjoy playing the Opry as much as we enjoy hearing them. To Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky, thanks for keeping humor on the Opry stage. To Vince Gill, Marty Stuart and Ricky Skaggs, thanks for supporting the Opry over the years and the hope is that you will continue to do that. For Blake Shelton, the Opry's newest member, please don't forget for the Opry is at. And for Rhonda Vincent and Gene Watson, a call from Pete Fisher asking you to become an Opry member.
To Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Tom T. Hall, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Travis Tritt, a GPS system for your car locked into 2804 Opryland Drive. And to Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap and Dolly Parton thanks for returning to the Opry stage this year, and now, please don't be strangers. To Loretta Lynn and George Jones, a wish that you realize how important the Opry was to your career and a return to the Opry stage more often. And to Hal Ketchum, please come back soon. The Opry misses you.
To Bobby Osborne, Jesse McReynolds, Ralph Stanley and Del McCoury, thanks for carrying on the bluegrass tradition at the Opry. And to Alison Krauss, please join them. To Jeanne Pruett, Barbara Mandrell, Billy Grammer and Ricky Van Shelton, continue to enjoy your retirement from the music business. All of you have earned it.
To Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan, Josh Turner, Montgomery Gentry, Carrie Underwood and Dierks Bentley, keep remembering where the Opry House is. And to Brad Paisley, thanks for a recommitment to the show this past year. Your support of the show is vital.
To Mandy Barnett, Elizabeth Cook, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Holly Williams, thanks for answering the phone when Pete calls to fill out a line-up. Also, my wish is that each of you has a million selling record this year.
To Connie Smith, Emmylou Harris and Patty Loveless, my wish is that three of the sweetest voices on the Opry continue to keep those voices. And Patty, the Opry is still there for you. It needs you more than once a year. And to John Conlee, Mel Tillis, Steve Wariner, Charlie Pride, Jeannie Seely and the Whites, my wish is that you give the Opry another year of good performances.
To Martina McBride, Terri Clark, Joe Diffie, Diamond Rio, Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis, thanks for supporting the show, but please give us more performances. And to Larry Gatlin, thanks for hosting the Opry Classics show and for bringing your down home style to the show.
To all the non-Opry members who came out to do the Opry this past year, thanks. There were too many to mention, but my wish is that we see more of you this year. You help to keep the show fresh and help to fill out the line-up when the missing Opry members do not appear.
To Mike Terry and Eddie Stubbs, thanks for the great introductions that you give us each week on the show. To the Carol Lee Singers, thanks for the great backup vocals you give us each week, and to the Opry staff band, thanks.
To Gaylord Entertainment, thanks to your commitment to the show this past year. You showed me a lot after the flood. You kept the show going, even when it was hard to find a suitable location, you saved the historical artifacts and the fans remained loyal to the show. Thanks for getting the Opry House up and running again, and thanks for updating the dressing rooms and backstage area. And please, don't forget the Opry's historic past and restore the Opry Museum soon.
And to all the Opry fans, please continue to support the show. Some weeks it is not easy, but, if we are not in the audience or listening on the radio, there would be no Opry. And, thanks for reading and commenting on the blog. I enjoy the chat and the emails you send. Thanks!!
Finally, Merry Christmas to all and a great New Year:
Byron
aka: Fayfare
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Previous Opry Shows on Christmas Weekend
When I posted this, I said I would try to add a few more. I have some Grand Ole Opry line-ups from when Christmas fell on Saturday night, but I don't have the line-ups from the Friday Christmas Eve shows for these years. Hope you enjoy. (I have added them at the end of this post).
I said in an earlier post that I would try to find Opry line-ups from previous years when the Friday Night Opry fell on Christmas Eve and the Grand Ole Opry was on Christmas night. I have come up with a couple. It is interesting to see what the line-ups were like on those nights and how many of the Opry stars were there for the shows.
This line-up is from the last year that this happened, in 2004
Friday Night Opry December 24, 2004
7:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Osborne Brothers; T. Graham Brown
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Stonewall Jackson; Ray Pillow; Pinmonkey
8:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Jack Greene; Rodney Atkins
9:00: Jim Ed Brown(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Sherrie Austin
9:30: Jean Shepard(host); Elizabeth Cook; Hal Bynum
Saturday December 25, 2004
6:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jack Greene; Pinmonkey
7:00: George Hamilton IV(host); Gail Davies; Melonie Cannon
7:30: Jean Shepard(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Elizabeth Cook; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Billy Walker; Sherrie Austin
8:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Osborne Brothers; Mandy Barnett
Note: Even though this was the period of time when there were 2 Saturday night shows each week, on Christmas night, there was only 1 show scheduled.
In 1999, it was the same deal regarding the Friday Night Opry on Christmas Eve and the Grand Ole Opry on Christmas Night. Here are the line-ups from those 2 nights.
Friday Night Opry December 24, 1999
7:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bill Carlisle; Billy Walker
8:00: Jean Shepard(host); Osborne Brothers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Stu Phillips; Ernie Ashworth; Riders In The Sky
9:00: Jeannie Seely(host); George Hamilton IV; Jim & Jesse; Charlie Walker
9:30: Johnny Russell(host); Stonewall Jackson; Ray Pillow
Saturday December 25, 1999
First Show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Bill Carlisle; Billy Walker
7:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jim & Jesse; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jean Shepard(host); Osborne Brothers; Mike Ireland
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); George Hamilton IV; Wilma Lee Cooper; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Johnny Russell(host); Mike Snider; John Berry
Second Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Jim & Jesse; Riders In The Sky; Mandy Barnett
10:00: Jim Ed Brown(host); Wilma Lee Cooper;
10:15: Billy Walker(host); Osborne Brothers;(Jan Howard was scheduled in this slot but cancelled)
10:30: Jean Shepard(host); John Berry
10:45: George Hamilton IV(host); Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Stu Phillips; Charlie Walker; Ray Pillow
11:30: Johnny Russell(host); Mike Snider; Mike Ireland
Saturday December 25, 1993
First Show
6:30: Bill Monroe(host)
6:45: Jim Ed Brown(host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Charlie Walker; Wilma Lee Cooper; Marty Stuart
7:30: The 4 Guys(host); Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Louvin; Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers
8:00: Bill Anderson(host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Jeannie Seely; Opry Square Dancers; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Hank Snow(host); Jean Shepard; Stonewall Jackson; Grandpa Jones
Second Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Jan Howard; Osborne Brothers; Jean Shepard
10:00: Bill Monroe(host); Wilma Lee Cooper
10:15: Charlie Louvin(host); Grandpa Jones
10:30: Bill Anderson(host); Jim & Jesse
10:45: Billy Walker(host); Jeannie Seely; Opry Square Dancers; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Hank Snow(host); Connie Smith; Stonewall Jackson; Charlie Walker; The 4 Guys
11:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Jeanne Pruett; Johnny Russell
Interesting that Grandpa Jones was not in a hosting role that night.
Here is another one, from Saturday December 25, 1982
First Show
6:30: Charlie Louvin(host); Jeannie Seely
6:45: Jack Greene(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Riders In The Sky
7:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jimmy Dickens; Skeeter Davis; Charlie Walker; Billy Grammer
7:30: Bill Monroe(host); Jean Shepard; Lonzo & Oscar; Billy Walker; Bill Carlisle
8:00: Roy Acuff(host); Jan Howard; Roy Drusky; Stonewall Jackson; Stu Phillips; Opry Square Dancers; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Hank Snow(host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C. Newman; The 4 Guys; Vic Willis
Second Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner(host); The 4 Guys; Jack Greene; Ernie Ashworth; Skeeter Davis; Ray Pillow
10:00: Charlie Walker(host); Jimmy Dickens; Teddy Wilburn
10:15: Bill Monroe(host); Stonewall Jackson
10:30: Roy Acuff(host); Connie Smith
10:45: Billy Walker(host); Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Hank Snow(host); Jeannie Seely; Justin Tubb; Jimmy C. Newman
11:30: Roy Drusky(host); Jan Howard; Vic Willis; Bill Carlisle
And finally, here is a show from Christmas night, December 25, 1971. There were 33 members on the show this night and look at the quality of this show:
First Show
6:30: Tex Ritter(host); Archie Campbell; Jimmy C. Newman; Ernie Ashworth; The 4 Guys;
6:45: Wilburn Brothers(host); Earl Scruggs; Ray Pillow; Tom T. Hall
7:00: Lester Flatt(host); Bill Monroe; Grandpa Jones; Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Stu Phillips; Stringbean
7:30: Roy Acuff(host); Tex Ritter; Jean Shepard; Stonewall Jackson; Del Reeves; Lonzo & Oscar; Charlie Walker; Del Wood
8:00: Ernest Tubb(host); Dottie West; Earl Scruggs; Wilburn Brothers; George Morgan; Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely
8:30: Hank Snow(host); Vic Willis; Marion Worth; Archie Campbell; Jim Ed Brown; Tom T. Hall; Jimmy C. Newman
Second Show
9:30: Bill Monroe(host); Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Stringbean; Ray Pillow
10:00: Roy Acuff(host); Tex Ritter; Jean Shepard; Del Wood
10:30: Lester Flatt(host); Grandpa Jones; Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Ernest Tubb(host); Wilburn Brothers; Stu Phillips; The 4 Guys
11:00: Hank Snow(host); Dottie West; Vic Willis; Lonzo & Oscar
11:30: Marty Robbins(host); Marion Worth; Charlie Walker
I hope you enjoy these.
I said in an earlier post that I would try to find Opry line-ups from previous years when the Friday Night Opry fell on Christmas Eve and the Grand Ole Opry was on Christmas night. I have come up with a couple. It is interesting to see what the line-ups were like on those nights and how many of the Opry stars were there for the shows.
This line-up is from the last year that this happened, in 2004
Friday Night Opry December 24, 2004
7:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Osborne Brothers; T. Graham Brown
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Stonewall Jackson; Ray Pillow; Pinmonkey
8:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Jack Greene; Rodney Atkins
9:00: Jim Ed Brown(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Sherrie Austin
9:30: Jean Shepard(host); Elizabeth Cook; Hal Bynum
Saturday December 25, 2004
6:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jack Greene; Pinmonkey
7:00: George Hamilton IV(host); Gail Davies; Melonie Cannon
7:30: Jean Shepard(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Elizabeth Cook; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Billy Walker; Sherrie Austin
8:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Osborne Brothers; Mandy Barnett
Note: Even though this was the period of time when there were 2 Saturday night shows each week, on Christmas night, there was only 1 show scheduled.
In 1999, it was the same deal regarding the Friday Night Opry on Christmas Eve and the Grand Ole Opry on Christmas Night. Here are the line-ups from those 2 nights.
Friday Night Opry December 24, 1999
7:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bill Carlisle; Billy Walker
8:00: Jean Shepard(host); Osborne Brothers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Stu Phillips; Ernie Ashworth; Riders In The Sky
9:00: Jeannie Seely(host); George Hamilton IV; Jim & Jesse; Charlie Walker
9:30: Johnny Russell(host); Stonewall Jackson; Ray Pillow
Saturday December 25, 1999
First Show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Bill Carlisle; Billy Walker
7:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jim & Jesse; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jean Shepard(host); Osborne Brothers; Mike Ireland
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); George Hamilton IV; Wilma Lee Cooper; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Johnny Russell(host); Mike Snider; John Berry
Second Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Jim & Jesse; Riders In The Sky; Mandy Barnett
10:00: Jim Ed Brown(host); Wilma Lee Cooper;
10:15: Billy Walker(host); Osborne Brothers;(Jan Howard was scheduled in this slot but cancelled)
10:30: Jean Shepard(host); John Berry
10:45: George Hamilton IV(host); Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Stu Phillips; Charlie Walker; Ray Pillow
11:30: Johnny Russell(host); Mike Snider; Mike Ireland
Saturday December 25, 1993
First Show
6:30: Bill Monroe(host)
6:45: Jim Ed Brown(host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Charlie Walker; Wilma Lee Cooper; Marty Stuart
7:30: The 4 Guys(host); Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Louvin; Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers
8:00: Bill Anderson(host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Jeannie Seely; Opry Square Dancers; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Hank Snow(host); Jean Shepard; Stonewall Jackson; Grandpa Jones
Second Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Jan Howard; Osborne Brothers; Jean Shepard
10:00: Bill Monroe(host); Wilma Lee Cooper
10:15: Charlie Louvin(host); Grandpa Jones
10:30: Bill Anderson(host); Jim & Jesse
10:45: Billy Walker(host); Jeannie Seely; Opry Square Dancers; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Hank Snow(host); Connie Smith; Stonewall Jackson; Charlie Walker; The 4 Guys
11:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Jeanne Pruett; Johnny Russell
Interesting that Grandpa Jones was not in a hosting role that night.
Here is another one, from Saturday December 25, 1982
First Show
6:30: Charlie Louvin(host); Jeannie Seely
6:45: Jack Greene(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Riders In The Sky
7:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jimmy Dickens; Skeeter Davis; Charlie Walker; Billy Grammer
7:30: Bill Monroe(host); Jean Shepard; Lonzo & Oscar; Billy Walker; Bill Carlisle
8:00: Roy Acuff(host); Jan Howard; Roy Drusky; Stonewall Jackson; Stu Phillips; Opry Square Dancers; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Hank Snow(host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C. Newman; The 4 Guys; Vic Willis
Second Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner(host); The 4 Guys; Jack Greene; Ernie Ashworth; Skeeter Davis; Ray Pillow
10:00: Charlie Walker(host); Jimmy Dickens; Teddy Wilburn
10:15: Bill Monroe(host); Stonewall Jackson
10:30: Roy Acuff(host); Connie Smith
10:45: Billy Walker(host); Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Hank Snow(host); Jeannie Seely; Justin Tubb; Jimmy C. Newman
11:30: Roy Drusky(host); Jan Howard; Vic Willis; Bill Carlisle
And finally, here is a show from Christmas night, December 25, 1971. There were 33 members on the show this night and look at the quality of this show:
First Show
6:30: Tex Ritter(host); Archie Campbell; Jimmy C. Newman; Ernie Ashworth; The 4 Guys;
6:45: Wilburn Brothers(host); Earl Scruggs; Ray Pillow; Tom T. Hall
7:00: Lester Flatt(host); Bill Monroe; Grandpa Jones; Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Stu Phillips; Stringbean
7:30: Roy Acuff(host); Tex Ritter; Jean Shepard; Stonewall Jackson; Del Reeves; Lonzo & Oscar; Charlie Walker; Del Wood
8:00: Ernest Tubb(host); Dottie West; Earl Scruggs; Wilburn Brothers; George Morgan; Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely
8:30: Hank Snow(host); Vic Willis; Marion Worth; Archie Campbell; Jim Ed Brown; Tom T. Hall; Jimmy C. Newman
Second Show
9:30: Bill Monroe(host); Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Stringbean; Ray Pillow
10:00: Roy Acuff(host); Tex Ritter; Jean Shepard; Del Wood
10:30: Lester Flatt(host); Grandpa Jones; Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Ernest Tubb(host); Wilburn Brothers; Stu Phillips; The 4 Guys
11:00: Hank Snow(host); Dottie West; Vic Willis; Lonzo & Oscar
11:30: Marty Robbins(host); Marion Worth; Charlie Walker
I hope you enjoy these.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Grand Ole Opry 12/24 & 12/25
You never know what you are going to get whenever the Grand Ole Opry has a show that falls on either Christmas Eve or Christmas night. Any Opry member, or entertainer, who does not live in Nashville is usually home with their families. Many performers who do live in Nashville go away to a vacation spot for the holiday and those who do stay in town are usually with family and friends and just don't want to work on the holiday.
With that said, the line-up for Christmas Eve and Christmas night is not too bad. As expected, Jimmy Dickens is among the missing as he continues to recover, and I would not be suprised if we see very little of him during the cold winter months. Ray Pillow gets an opportunity to host a segment on Friday night, and on both nights, there is a good mix of entertainment.
Friday December 24
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; Holly Williams
7:30: Ray Pillow(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Eddy Raven
INTERMISSION
8:15: George Hamilton IV(host); Jack Greene; James Intveld
8:45: Jeannie Seely(host); Johnny Counterfeit; Dailey & Vincent
Saturday December 25
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; Emily West
7:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Jack Greene; Eddy Raven
8:00: Mike Snider(host); Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jan Howard; Dailey & Vincent
Over the next day or two, I hope to post some Opry line-ups from previous years when the Opry was held on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. That might be interesting to some.
With that said, the line-up for Christmas Eve and Christmas night is not too bad. As expected, Jimmy Dickens is among the missing as he continues to recover, and I would not be suprised if we see very little of him during the cold winter months. Ray Pillow gets an opportunity to host a segment on Friday night, and on both nights, there is a good mix of entertainment.
Friday December 24
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; Holly Williams
7:30: Ray Pillow(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Eddy Raven
INTERMISSION
8:15: George Hamilton IV(host); Jack Greene; James Intveld
8:45: Jeannie Seely(host); Johnny Counterfeit; Dailey & Vincent
Saturday December 25
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; Emily West
7:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Jack Greene; Eddy Raven
8:00: Mike Snider(host); Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jan Howard; Dailey & Vincent
Over the next day or two, I hope to post some Opry line-ups from previous years when the Opry was held on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. That might be interesting to some.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Hank Snow
I have a confession to make. I know all of us have our favorite Grand Ole Opry stars, either present or former. I know that my top 10 list includes current Opry stars Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Jim Ed Brown, and former Opry stars such as Roy Acuff and Ernest Tubb. But on the top of the list, as my favorite Opry member of all time, is the Singing Ranger Hank Snow.
Hank passed away on 11 years ago on December 20, 1999. I am not going to cover the entire career of Hank Snow. But, I will cover just a couple of the important events. Hank was born on May 19, 1914, and was 85 years old when he died. He lived his early years in poverty, and while he was a Canadian star for many years, he really never made it in the states until after he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Hank became an Opry member on January 7, 1950, on the recommendation of Ernest Tubb. It would be hard to believe today, but that was Hank's first appearance on the Opry. It was touch and go, until he had his career hit, "I'm Movin' On". After that, everything else was history.
When Hank passed away, he was 2 weeks shy of celebrating his 50th year as an Opry member. Unfortunately, his health started to decline in the mid 1990's, and Hank made his last Opry appearance on Saturday August 31, 1996. He was scheduled to appear on the Opry on Friday September 6, 1996, and on Friday and Saturday September 13 and 14, but cancelled those appearances. That was the last time he was ever on the schedule for the show.
I highly recommend Hank's autobiography, "The Hank Snow Story", which he published in 1994. In my opinion, it is one of the better books written on a country music star. Hank is pretty honest in the book, and touches on a lot of subjects. I did find it interesting that 2 items that he did not mention in his book was why he started to wear a toupee (and we all have to admit that some of those that he wore looked pretty bad), and the whole deal with his duet partner Kelly Foxton. That one just did not make sense.
I have a couple of personal memories of Hank. I will always remember that after Hank did his opening number on his segment, he would go over and stay pretty much at the announcers stand. And, we all know Hank was not the tallest person in the world (he is taller than Jimmy Dickens), but you would only see his head at the podium. Another memory is that Hank was always perfectly dressed. And, what a great guitar player he was. Toward the end of his career, he had a small musical stand, with the words to his songs written on small index cards. He wanted to make sure to get the songs exactly right. If nothing else, Hank was a perfectionist.
Hank was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979, a well deserved selection. I still find it funny when watching his induction speech, he thanks "Mrs. Hank Snow." He was very formal. For years, a section of the Opry Museum was devoted to him.
In honor of Hank Snow, and remembering him, I am posting the Opry line-up from his final Opry performance on Saturday August 31, 1996. As an extra bonus, I have included the sponsors and a few other notes. Hank was on both shows that Saturday night.
6:30 (GHS Strings) Mike Snider(host); Bill Carlisle
6:45 (Jogging In A Jug) Grandpa Jones(host); Jan Howard
7:00 (Shoney's) Johnny Russell(host); Charlie Louvin; Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown
7:30 (Goo Goo) Jeannie Seely(host); The Cumberland Boys; Ray Pillow; Margaret Whiting; Opry Square Dance Band
8:00: (Martha White) Porter Wagoner(host); Jeanne Pruett; Stonewall Jackson; Del Reeves; Charlie Walker
8:30 (Kraft) Hank Snow(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Stu Phillips; The Whites; Connie Smith
9:30 (Dollar General) Porter Wagoner(host); Brother Oswald; Jeanne Pruett; Jimmy C. Newman
10:00 (Massey Ferguson( Grandpa Jones(host); Stonewall Jackson
10:15 (Opryland) Jean Shepard (host); Roy Drusky
10:30 (Purnell's) Jim Ed Brown(host); The Cumberland Boys
10:45 (Fairfield) Mike Snider(host); Opry Square Dance Band
11:00 (Coca-Cola) Hank Snow(host); Del Reeves; Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; The Whites
11:30 (Loreal) Johnny Russell(host); Stu Phillips; Jeannie Seely; Roy Pillow; Colleen Walters
This Saturday night was Hank's only Saturday night Opry appearance in 1996. The songs he sang on this night were "In The Misty Moonlight" and "It Kinda Reminds Me Of Me" during the 1st show, and "I Don't Hurt Anymore", along with "I Almost Lost My Mind", which was the final song that he performed on the Opry.
As far as 1996, his final year as an active performer, Hank was scheduled to be at the Opry on January 20, 27; February 3, 17, 24; and March 2. He cancelled each of those nights. He would not be on the schedule again until July 27, and he cancelled that night also, along with August 3. He finally did return to the Opry stage on Friday August 9, after an absence of 9 months, due to a respiratory illness. He appeared on the 1st show that night, and that was his final Friday Night Opry.
The Opry is a better place for having performers such as Hank Snow as a member, but the days of Hank Snow are long gone. Actually, I think the Opry would be better today if more entertainers followed the example set by Hank. He was a true country music legend.
Hank passed away on 11 years ago on December 20, 1999. I am not going to cover the entire career of Hank Snow. But, I will cover just a couple of the important events. Hank was born on May 19, 1914, and was 85 years old when he died. He lived his early years in poverty, and while he was a Canadian star for many years, he really never made it in the states until after he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Hank became an Opry member on January 7, 1950, on the recommendation of Ernest Tubb. It would be hard to believe today, but that was Hank's first appearance on the Opry. It was touch and go, until he had his career hit, "I'm Movin' On". After that, everything else was history.
When Hank passed away, he was 2 weeks shy of celebrating his 50th year as an Opry member. Unfortunately, his health started to decline in the mid 1990's, and Hank made his last Opry appearance on Saturday August 31, 1996. He was scheduled to appear on the Opry on Friday September 6, 1996, and on Friday and Saturday September 13 and 14, but cancelled those appearances. That was the last time he was ever on the schedule for the show.
I highly recommend Hank's autobiography, "The Hank Snow Story", which he published in 1994. In my opinion, it is one of the better books written on a country music star. Hank is pretty honest in the book, and touches on a lot of subjects. I did find it interesting that 2 items that he did not mention in his book was why he started to wear a toupee (and we all have to admit that some of those that he wore looked pretty bad), and the whole deal with his duet partner Kelly Foxton. That one just did not make sense.
I have a couple of personal memories of Hank. I will always remember that after Hank did his opening number on his segment, he would go over and stay pretty much at the announcers stand. And, we all know Hank was not the tallest person in the world (he is taller than Jimmy Dickens), but you would only see his head at the podium. Another memory is that Hank was always perfectly dressed. And, what a great guitar player he was. Toward the end of his career, he had a small musical stand, with the words to his songs written on small index cards. He wanted to make sure to get the songs exactly right. If nothing else, Hank was a perfectionist.
Hank was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979, a well deserved selection. I still find it funny when watching his induction speech, he thanks "Mrs. Hank Snow." He was very formal. For years, a section of the Opry Museum was devoted to him.
In honor of Hank Snow, and remembering him, I am posting the Opry line-up from his final Opry performance on Saturday August 31, 1996. As an extra bonus, I have included the sponsors and a few other notes. Hank was on both shows that Saturday night.
6:30 (GHS Strings) Mike Snider(host); Bill Carlisle
6:45 (Jogging In A Jug) Grandpa Jones(host); Jan Howard
7:00 (Shoney's) Johnny Russell(host); Charlie Louvin; Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown
7:30 (Goo Goo) Jeannie Seely(host); The Cumberland Boys; Ray Pillow; Margaret Whiting; Opry Square Dance Band
8:00: (Martha White) Porter Wagoner(host); Jeanne Pruett; Stonewall Jackson; Del Reeves; Charlie Walker
8:30 (Kraft) Hank Snow(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Stu Phillips; The Whites; Connie Smith
9:30 (Dollar General) Porter Wagoner(host); Brother Oswald; Jeanne Pruett; Jimmy C. Newman
10:00 (Massey Ferguson( Grandpa Jones(host); Stonewall Jackson
10:15 (Opryland) Jean Shepard (host); Roy Drusky
10:30 (Purnell's) Jim Ed Brown(host); The Cumberland Boys
10:45 (Fairfield) Mike Snider(host); Opry Square Dance Band
11:00 (Coca-Cola) Hank Snow(host); Del Reeves; Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; The Whites
11:30 (Loreal) Johnny Russell(host); Stu Phillips; Jeannie Seely; Roy Pillow; Colleen Walters
This Saturday night was Hank's only Saturday night Opry appearance in 1996. The songs he sang on this night were "In The Misty Moonlight" and "It Kinda Reminds Me Of Me" during the 1st show, and "I Don't Hurt Anymore", along with "I Almost Lost My Mind", which was the final song that he performed on the Opry.
As far as 1996, his final year as an active performer, Hank was scheduled to be at the Opry on January 20, 27; February 3, 17, 24; and March 2. He cancelled each of those nights. He would not be on the schedule again until July 27, and he cancelled that night also, along with August 3. He finally did return to the Opry stage on Friday August 9, after an absence of 9 months, due to a respiratory illness. He appeared on the 1st show that night, and that was his final Friday Night Opry.
The Opry is a better place for having performers such as Hank Snow as a member, but the days of Hank Snow are long gone. Actually, I think the Opry would be better today if more entertainers followed the example set by Hank. He was a true country music legend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)