During the month of October, GAC (Great American Country) and the Opry came to an agreement to televise a few of the Opry's shows. The shows were a combination of Tuesday night shows that were taped and shown later, and a couple of Saturday night shows that were shown live. These were the first new Opry shows to be televised since the September 2010 reopening of the Grand Ole Opry House, and prior to that it had been several years since the Opry had been televised.
In the opinion of this writer and Opry fan, the shows that were shown were, in a word, horrible. The shows featured a variety of artists, a few of whom such as Martina McBride, Craig Morgan, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley and Randy Travis, were actually Opry members. The rest were not.
The recent history of the Opry on television started in the mid 1980s when TNN decided to televise a half hour of the Opry on Saturday night. Nothing special was done. The show stayed the same and whoever was scheduled on that half hour were the ones shown on the televised show. In fact, it was nothing more than putting up a camera or two and televising the radio show. The show usually started on time, although there were weeks when the segment proceeding the televised portion ran long and they had to kill some time before the segment started, and almost every week, the final performer was still singing as the credits ran on the screen. In other words, it was not scripted or polished. Those who appeared on the televised segment included just about everyone who was an Opry member. The rotation of hosts and guests was good and in a 6 month period, everyone usually got on once or twice. Sometimes the half hour had a host and 2 guests, and other weeks, there was a host and 4 guests. It just varied and you never knew who was going to be on until the show started. No pre-publicity of the show.
Over time, a half hour interview show was added that featured that night's artists. For special events, such as the Opry's birthday celebration, a whole hour of the Opry would be shown. Same formula and nothing extra special.
Eventually, the Opry moved to CMT and became an hour long show each week. And with it, the Opry management started to lose control of the show and the professionalism started to set in. The rotation of hosts became smaller and included only those who had a good tv presence. (no more Bill Monroes or Hank Snows), and the number of Opry members who were on the televised portion were picked from a smaller group, again featuring those with TV presence. And, there became more of an emphasis on guest artists promoting new material.
When CMT no longer showed an interest in the Opry, the Opry was forced to find a new marriage partner for television and the only network that came knocking was GAC. And with it, all control for the televised portion was lost. At first, Opry members continued to host the televised hour, but that eventually went away and the host became Nan Kelly, a professional announcer. The number of artists on the hour show went from 6 or 7, down to 5, and then to 4, with some weeks 3. The production became polished, and if you were in the Opry House watching the show, it felt like you were attending a tv taping. And, of the Opry's 65 or so members, only around 10 were actually shown on the show. The rest were guest artists, all young and "sexy" looking.
And that brings us to where we are now. A 1 hour show, that features either 3 or 4 artists, all singing numerous songs, with fancy lighting and large scale production values. The shows are all pre-scripted and rehearsed. The shows start and end right on time, down to the last second. And, there are many more commercials. If you are sitting in the Opry House during a televised show, you get lots of the Opry Staff Band, as that is who is playing on stage during all the commerical breaks.
Over time, most of us have gotten used to this and are happy that at least something from the Opry was televised. It really wasn't the Opry as such, but it was the best we were going to get. And that brings me to the shows this October. For whatever reason, the shows just didn't seem right, especially the birthday show. The timing was off, the camera shots were not real good, Nan Kelly seemed off her game, and I don't think some of the guest artists realized that they were on the Opry. I think they thought they were just at another television taping. In other words, the shows were terrible and tough to watch.
If you were sitting in the Opry House, it was even worse. As it is right now, the Opry is 2 hours in length. On a night when the Opry is televised, the 1st hour actually seems like the Opry. The show is good and moves at a good pace. There is about a 5 minute gap between the 1st and 2nd hours, which gives GAC time to make sure they get started right on time, the chance to get the cameras and lighting right and to make sure the artist and band is in place and ready to go. And, it gives the veteran Opry members time to get backstage to their dressing rooms so that they will not be accidently seen on television. Heaven help GAC if they show someone who is under the age of 40 on the televised show.
When you are in the Opry House, it seems like you are watching 2 separate shows. During the televised portion, the lights are turned up, the sound is louder and you are actually told when to clap and stand. And, it just seems so disconnected from the 1st hour that it doesn't seem like the Opry. When the televised portion is over, that is it. The show is over, right on time, and you are headed out the door. It turns the Saturday show into a mess.
I know the Opry needs televison to sell the product and to attract interest. And I know they want to keep it young as they want to attract younger fans to the Opry. And I know GAC has final control on who is on the televised portion and they want artists that they can promote and who will attract ratings.
So here is my idea and I think it would work. Leave the Saturday show alone. Management has messed it up already. Just leave it as the traditional Opry as we know it. Take the Tuesday night Opry, that has the different format, and tape the last hour and make that the televised show. It can still be shown on the network on Saturday. By taping the show on Tuesday night, it can be edited for televison and look better. The Tuesday Night Opry has been attracting some of the bigger named artists, as many are on the road over the weekend. And since the traditional Opry fan does not tend to go to the Tuesday night shows, they are not upsetting their traditional audience.
Of course a better idea would be to somehow come to a deal with RFD-TV as the Opry would be a perfect fit for their Saturday night line up with Marty Stuart and Midwest Country, along with their other shows. RFD has the traditional audience that grew up to and listens to the Opry. And, with RFD having an emphasis on traditional country music, we could see more of the veteran Opry members. I don't know if RFD has shown an interest in televising the Opry or if they did attempt a deal and could not make one or maybe they are happy with what they have and don't want to televise the Opry. But, if I were RFD, I would certainly explore the idea of televising the Opry. I think they would do a great job with the product and I think they would do it right.
That is just my thoughts.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Grand Ole Opry Line Up 10/27 & 10/28
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the schedule for the shows this weekend. As they finish up October, there will be 1 show on Friday night and 2 shows on Saturday night. After this weekend, it is back to the 1 show Saturdays. Also, this will be the last weekend at the Opry House until February as the Opry moves to the Ryman Auditorium for the next 3 months.
Saturday night will feature the return of Clint Black to the Opry stage. He is scheduled for both shows. Saturday night will also feature the Opry honoring Charlie Daniels, who is celebrating his 75th birthday. (wow, where have the years gone?) Non-Opry members Gretchen Wilson and The Grascals will also be on.
The Friday Night Opry will have Opry member Diamond Rio, along with frequent Opry guests Mark Wills and Mandy Barnett. Mandy will again be signing her new "Sweet Dreams" album, along with "Winter Wonderland." In case you are wondering about the huge promotion of Mandy's new album, it is because it is being distributed by "Opry Music, a division of Grand Ole Opry LLC". The album was produced by Steve Gibson, who is the Opry's music director, and the executive producers are Steve Buchanan, Pete Fisher and Sally Williams. Interesting that they would pick Mandy for this project.
Friday October 27, 2011
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Mark Wills
8:45: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top-X-Press; Diamond Rio
Saturday October 28, 2011
1st show:
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; The Grascals
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Lee Greenwood; Clint Black
8:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Gretchen Wilson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Daniels Band
2nd show:
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Grascals
10:00: The Whites (host); Lee Greenwood; Clint Black
10:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Gretchen Wilson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Daniels Band
The are 12 acts on the Friday Night Opry, of which 9 are Opry members, while there are 11 acts on each of the Saturday shows, of whom 8 are Opry members.
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be hosted by David Frizzell. That should be a fine show coming on after the Opry.
Tonight's Opry Country Classics will be the last show for this series. This time around, there were 4 classic shows in October. Here is the line up for this show:
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Also featuring: Lynn Anderson; Mandy Barnett; Jimmy C Newman; T.G. Sheppard; James Wesley.
It's nice to see Lynn Anderson back on. She was on the classics show that I saw last year and she looked and sounded great.
Here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry on November 1st, at the Ryman Auditorium:
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Edens Edge
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Phil Vassar
INTERMISSION
8:15: Riders In The Sky; Rodney Atkins
8:45: Rascal Flatts
On a final note, Vince Gill's new studio album was released this week. Called "Guitar Slinger", in my opinion it is Vince's best album yet. I have listened to the cuts over and over and it is just great. And Vince has been all over television this week promoting it. I know he was on the Imus Show this morning, and has been on pretty much all the other morning show. "Threaten Me With Heaven" has placed on the charts and "If I Die" might be the best Vince song yet. It has a strong message. If you get a chance, check it out.
Saturday night will feature the return of Clint Black to the Opry stage. He is scheduled for both shows. Saturday night will also feature the Opry honoring Charlie Daniels, who is celebrating his 75th birthday. (wow, where have the years gone?) Non-Opry members Gretchen Wilson and The Grascals will also be on.
The Friday Night Opry will have Opry member Diamond Rio, along with frequent Opry guests Mark Wills and Mandy Barnett. Mandy will again be signing her new "Sweet Dreams" album, along with "Winter Wonderland." In case you are wondering about the huge promotion of Mandy's new album, it is because it is being distributed by "Opry Music, a division of Grand Ole Opry LLC". The album was produced by Steve Gibson, who is the Opry's music director, and the executive producers are Steve Buchanan, Pete Fisher and Sally Williams. Interesting that they would pick Mandy for this project.
Friday October 27, 2011
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Mark Wills
8:45: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top-X-Press; Diamond Rio
Saturday October 28, 2011
1st show:
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; The Grascals
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Lee Greenwood; Clint Black
8:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Gretchen Wilson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Daniels Band
2nd show:
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Grascals
10:00: The Whites (host); Lee Greenwood; Clint Black
10:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Gretchen Wilson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Daniels Band
The are 12 acts on the Friday Night Opry, of which 9 are Opry members, while there are 11 acts on each of the Saturday shows, of whom 8 are Opry members.
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be hosted by David Frizzell. That should be a fine show coming on after the Opry.
Tonight's Opry Country Classics will be the last show for this series. This time around, there were 4 classic shows in October. Here is the line up for this show:
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Also featuring: Lynn Anderson; Mandy Barnett; Jimmy C Newman; T.G. Sheppard; James Wesley.
It's nice to see Lynn Anderson back on. She was on the classics show that I saw last year and she looked and sounded great.
Here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry on November 1st, at the Ryman Auditorium:
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Edens Edge
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Phil Vassar
INTERMISSION
8:15: Riders In The Sky; Rodney Atkins
8:45: Rascal Flatts
On a final note, Vince Gill's new studio album was released this week. Called "Guitar Slinger", in my opinion it is Vince's best album yet. I have listened to the cuts over and over and it is just great. And Vince has been all over television this week promoting it. I know he was on the Imus Show this morning, and has been on pretty much all the other morning show. "Threaten Me With Heaven" has placed on the charts and "If I Die" might be the best Vince song yet. It has a strong message. If you get a chance, check it out.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Classic Grand Ole Opry From The 1950s
As we get to the end of the Opry's birthday month, I wanted to leave everyone with 2 Grand Ole Opry line ups from many years ago. Back in those days, the Opry didn't always celebrate it's birthday/anniversary in a formal way, but what I found were 2 line ups that took place in October during the week's that for the most part, the majority of the Opry's birthday celebrations have taken place. Sorry, but for both of these shows, I do not have any song lists, just the line ups. I hope that will work for everyone. As a reminder, both of these shows took place at the Ryman Auditorium and this was during the period that the Opry had only 1 show on Saturday nights, starting at 7:30 and lasting until midnight. (not like now when there is 1 Saturday night show that goes from 7 until 9). During this period, each act, for the most part, would appear on the show twice, once before 10 and once after 10. There were a few acts that would appear only once, and once in a while you would have an act that would make 3 appearances on the show.
The first line up is from Saturday October 17, 1953:
7:30
Hank Snow (host)
Lew Childre
7:45
Johnnie & Jack (host)
Cowboy Copas
Kitty Wells
8:00
Ernest Tubb (host)
Bill Monroe
Marty Robbins
June Carter
Carter Family
8:30
Jimmy Dickens (host)
Carl Butler
Jordanaires
Stringbean
9:00
Webb Pierce (host)
George Morgan
Martha Carson
S. & Matty
9:30
Carl Smith (host)
Jimmy Dickens
Anita Carter
Grandpa Jones
Chet Atkins
10:00
George Morgan (host)
Bill Monroe
Johnnie & Jack
10:15
Hank Snow (host)
Kitty Wells
Bill Monroe
10:30
Ernest Tubb (host)
Jimmy Dickens
Marty Robbins
Duke of Paducah
June Carter
Chet Atkins
Carter Family
11:00
Web Pierce (host)
Martha Carson
Rod Brasfield
11:15
Carl Smith (host)
Johnnie & Jack
Stringbean
11:30
Hank Snow (host)
Lew Childre
11:45
Cowboy Copas (host)
Grandpa Jones
The 2nd line up is from Saturday October 22, 1955:
7:30
Carl Smith (host)
Justin Tubb
Eddie Hill
7:45
Jimmy Dickens (host)
Goldie Hill
Red Sovine
8:00
Ernest Tubb (host)
Hawkshaw Hawkins
Jim Reeves
Martha Carson
T Tommy Cutrer
Maybelle Carter
8:30
Ray Price (host)
Jordanaires
Del Wood
Rod Brasfield
Chet Atkins
9:00
Carl Smith (host)
Louvin Brothers
Bill Monroe
Bill Carlisle
Grandpa Jones
Jean Shepard
9:30
Ferlin Husky (host)
Anita Carter
Chet Atkins
Lew Childre
10:00
Hawkshaw Hawkins (host)
Bill Monroe
Martha Carson
10:15
Ray Price (host)
Bill Carlisle
Justin Tubb
10:30
Ernest Tubb (host)
Jimmy Dickens
Eddie Hill
10:45
Ferlin Husky (host)
Goldie Hill
11:00
Carl Smith (host)
Hawkshaw Hawkins
Jim Reeves
Martha Carson
Grandpa Jones
Jean Shepard
Maybelle Carter
11:30
Ray Price (host)
Louvin Brothers
Lew Childre
Red Sovine
Yes, there were squaredancers and the string bands on the show, I just didn't have them in my line up. But, overall, a nice look back and pretty good shows both nights
This will be the last of the Opry birthday line ups as October is about done. I hope you have enjoyed this look back at some of the Opry shows from years past. Look for this week's Opry schedule and comments tomorrow.
The first line up is from Saturday October 17, 1953:
7:30
Hank Snow (host)
Lew Childre
7:45
Johnnie & Jack (host)
Cowboy Copas
Kitty Wells
8:00
Ernest Tubb (host)
Bill Monroe
Marty Robbins
June Carter
Carter Family
8:30
Jimmy Dickens (host)
Carl Butler
Jordanaires
Stringbean
9:00
Webb Pierce (host)
George Morgan
Martha Carson
S. & Matty
9:30
Carl Smith (host)
Jimmy Dickens
Anita Carter
Grandpa Jones
Chet Atkins
10:00
George Morgan (host)
Bill Monroe
Johnnie & Jack
10:15
Hank Snow (host)
Kitty Wells
Bill Monroe
10:30
Ernest Tubb (host)
Jimmy Dickens
Marty Robbins
Duke of Paducah
June Carter
Chet Atkins
Carter Family
11:00
Web Pierce (host)
Martha Carson
Rod Brasfield
11:15
Carl Smith (host)
Johnnie & Jack
Stringbean
11:30
Hank Snow (host)
Lew Childre
11:45
Cowboy Copas (host)
Grandpa Jones
The 2nd line up is from Saturday October 22, 1955:
7:30
Carl Smith (host)
Justin Tubb
Eddie Hill
7:45
Jimmy Dickens (host)
Goldie Hill
Red Sovine
8:00
Ernest Tubb (host)
Hawkshaw Hawkins
Jim Reeves
Martha Carson
T Tommy Cutrer
Maybelle Carter
8:30
Ray Price (host)
Jordanaires
Del Wood
Rod Brasfield
Chet Atkins
9:00
Carl Smith (host)
Louvin Brothers
Bill Monroe
Bill Carlisle
Grandpa Jones
Jean Shepard
9:30
Ferlin Husky (host)
Anita Carter
Chet Atkins
Lew Childre
10:00
Hawkshaw Hawkins (host)
Bill Monroe
Martha Carson
10:15
Ray Price (host)
Bill Carlisle
Justin Tubb
10:30
Ernest Tubb (host)
Jimmy Dickens
Eddie Hill
10:45
Ferlin Husky (host)
Goldie Hill
11:00
Carl Smith (host)
Hawkshaw Hawkins
Jim Reeves
Martha Carson
Grandpa Jones
Jean Shepard
Maybelle Carter
11:30
Ray Price (host)
Louvin Brothers
Lew Childre
Red Sovine
Yes, there were squaredancers and the string bands on the show, I just didn't have them in my line up. But, overall, a nice look back and pretty good shows both nights
This will be the last of the Opry birthday line ups as October is about done. I hope you have enjoyed this look back at some of the Opry shows from years past. Look for this week's Opry schedule and comments tomorrow.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Grand Ole Opry-October 18, 1980-Opry's 53th Birthday
With only a week left in October (boy did this month go by fast) and not much news coming out of the Opry, I wanted to continue with line ups from the Opry's past birthday shows. This one is from October 20, 1978 and it was the Opry's 55th birthday celebration.
1st show:
6:00 Vietti
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Lonzo & Oscar: Georgia Pineywoods
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk Your Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Jim Ed Brown: Bottle, Bottle
6:30 Mrs. Grissom's
Charlie Walker: Crazy Arms
Connie Smith: He Was There All The Time
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Charmin
6:45 Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
7:00 Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Billy Walker: Love Is Slippin' Through Our Fingers
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
David Houston: Lord, Don't Give Up On Me
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted
7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag
Onie Wheeler: Lucian's Song
8:00 Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Thank's A Lot
George Hamilton IV: Corn Bread, Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That The Crow Told Me
Loretta Lynn: They Don't Make Them Like My Daddy Anymore/When The Tingle Becomes A Chill
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz
8:30 Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Movin' On
Bill Anderson: From Rock N' Roll To The Rock Of Ages
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
4 Guys: Lovin' Up A Storm
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Check
2nd show
9:30 Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Walkin' The Floor Over You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Lonzo & Oscar: The Old Home Place
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk You Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
10:00 Little Debbie
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
The Browns: The Three Bells
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love In My Heart
10:15 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Mayor Fulton: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Mayor Fulton, Opry Cast: God Bless America
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chunk Of Coal
10:30 Trailblazer
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless America Again
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
10:45 Beech-Nut
George Hamilton IV (host): Corn Bread, Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Crook Brothers/Bill Jones Promenadors: Mississippi Sawyer
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Billy Grammer: Blue Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cocklin' Hen
Roy Drusky: I'll Hold You In My Heart
Kirk McGee: Milk 'Em In The Evening Blues
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Check
11:30 Bama
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Back To Back
Vic Willis Trio: Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You
Sheila & Bill Carlisle, Jr: White Lightening
Bill Anderson: I Want That Feeling Again/Po' Folks
Po' Folks Band: The Devil Went Down To Georgia
In a couple of interesting notes from that night Skeeter Davis, Bill Monroe and Grandpa Jones were all on the schedule and cancelled. Skeeter was scheduled to be on the 6:00 segment and the 9:30 segment (which already had 8 acts on, not counting her). Bill Monroe was scheduled to host the 6:45 and 9:30 segments. At 9:30, they moved up Ernest Tubb, who was originally supposed to host the 10:45 segment. Loretta Lynn was also scheduled to perform on the 10:45 show, but was moved up to 9:30 to replace Skeeter, which allowed her to stay on Ernest's segment. George Hamilton was scheduled in the 11:00 segment but was moved up to host the 10:45 segment instead of Ernest. (hope you got all that moving around). Grandpa Jones was scheduled to host the 6:30 and 10:30 segments.
When Bill Anderson hosted the 11:30 segment, that was his first time being on the final segment of the Opry since October 1971. During Billy Grammer's segment on the 1st show, he introduced Ben Jones from the Dukes of Hazzard, while the Wilburn Brothers introduced Donna Douglas from the Beverly Hillbillies during the 2nd show.
I also found it interesting that the 2nd show was so loaded that Loretta Lynn only did one song, And in 1980, she was at the peak of her career. If anyone should have been allowed a couple of songs it was Loretta. And Roy Acuff, on each of his segments, only did 1 song, the opening one. He did not do a final number on either one of the shows.
The Opry that night ended at just after 12:35, so for a birthday show, it did not run over as long as many of those shows.
1st show:
6:00 Vietti
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Lonzo & Oscar: Georgia Pineywoods
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk Your Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Jim Ed Brown: Bottle, Bottle
6:30 Mrs. Grissom's
Charlie Walker: Crazy Arms
Connie Smith: He Was There All The Time
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Charmin
6:45 Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
7:00 Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Billy Walker: Love Is Slippin' Through Our Fingers
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
David Houston: Lord, Don't Give Up On Me
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted
7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag
Onie Wheeler: Lucian's Song
8:00 Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Thank's A Lot
George Hamilton IV: Corn Bread, Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That The Crow Told Me
Loretta Lynn: They Don't Make Them Like My Daddy Anymore/When The Tingle Becomes A Chill
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz
8:30 Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Movin' On
Bill Anderson: From Rock N' Roll To The Rock Of Ages
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
4 Guys: Lovin' Up A Storm
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Check
2nd show
9:30 Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Walkin' The Floor Over You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Lonzo & Oscar: The Old Home Place
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk You Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
10:00 Little Debbie
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
The Browns: The Three Bells
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love In My Heart
10:15 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Mayor Fulton: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Mayor Fulton, Opry Cast: God Bless America
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chunk Of Coal
10:30 Trailblazer
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless America Again
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
10:45 Beech-Nut
George Hamilton IV (host): Corn Bread, Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Crook Brothers/Bill Jones Promenadors: Mississippi Sawyer
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Billy Grammer: Blue Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cocklin' Hen
Roy Drusky: I'll Hold You In My Heart
Kirk McGee: Milk 'Em In The Evening Blues
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Check
11:30 Bama
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Back To Back
Vic Willis Trio: Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You
Sheila & Bill Carlisle, Jr: White Lightening
Bill Anderson: I Want That Feeling Again/Po' Folks
Po' Folks Band: The Devil Went Down To Georgia
In a couple of interesting notes from that night Skeeter Davis, Bill Monroe and Grandpa Jones were all on the schedule and cancelled. Skeeter was scheduled to be on the 6:00 segment and the 9:30 segment (which already had 8 acts on, not counting her). Bill Monroe was scheduled to host the 6:45 and 9:30 segments. At 9:30, they moved up Ernest Tubb, who was originally supposed to host the 10:45 segment. Loretta Lynn was also scheduled to perform on the 10:45 show, but was moved up to 9:30 to replace Skeeter, which allowed her to stay on Ernest's segment. George Hamilton was scheduled in the 11:00 segment but was moved up to host the 10:45 segment instead of Ernest. (hope you got all that moving around). Grandpa Jones was scheduled to host the 6:30 and 10:30 segments.
When Bill Anderson hosted the 11:30 segment, that was his first time being on the final segment of the Opry since October 1971. During Billy Grammer's segment on the 1st show, he introduced Ben Jones from the Dukes of Hazzard, while the Wilburn Brothers introduced Donna Douglas from the Beverly Hillbillies during the 2nd show.
I also found it interesting that the 2nd show was so loaded that Loretta Lynn only did one song, And in 1980, she was at the peak of her career. If anyone should have been allowed a couple of songs it was Loretta. And Roy Acuff, on each of his segments, only did 1 song, the opening one. He did not do a final number on either one of the shows.
The Opry that night ended at just after 12:35, so for a birthday show, it did not run over as long as many of those shows.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Grand Ole Opry's 53rd Birthday-October 21, 1978
As I have been doing all during the month of October, I want to post another birthday line up from the Opry. This one is from the Grand Ole Opry's 53rd birthday show, which took place on Saturday October 21, 1978 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Here is the running order of the shows:
1st show:
6:00 Vietti
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleeping At The Foot Of The Bed
Wilma Lee Cooper: Come Walk With Me/Cheated Too
Jim & Jesse: My Baby's Gone/Ashes Of Love
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
Jimmy Dicken's Band: Little Liza Jane
6:30 Mrs Grissom's
Wilburn Brothers (host): It's Another World
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You, Myrtle
Wilburn Brothers: Mama's Shoebox
6:45 Rudy's
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Jeannie Seely: There Goes My Everything
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
7:00 Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World/I'll Fly Away
Charlie Louvin: I Gave My Love A Cherry/What Are Those Things With Big Black Wings
Vic Willis & C.W. Mitchell: Cimarron
Philamena Begley: Blanket On The Ground
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Feed You Now
7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tenn. Central #9/Sunshine Special
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Stonewall Jackson: My Favorite Sin
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sally Goodin
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light
8:00 Martha White
Lester Flatt (host) & The Nashville Grass: My Sara Jane
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here This Morning/Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom Of The Sea
Stu Phillips: It's A Heartache
Tater Tate: Black Mountain Blues
8:30 Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Ramblin' Rose
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On/Country Hall Of Fame
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cracklin Hen
Hank Snow: I'm Movin' On
2nd show:
9:30 Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Seaman's Blues
Jeannie Seely: Who Needs You
Jimmy Dickens: Family Reunion
Wilburn Brothers: Mama's Shoebox
Wilma Lee Cooper: Where Is America Going
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
10:00 Fender
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Feed You Now
Jim & Jesse: Stormy Horizons
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now
Billy Grammer: I'm Letting You Go
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot
10:15 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train To Memphis
Minnie Pearl: You Are My Sunshine
Roy Acuff/Minnie Pearl/S. Davis/S. Jackson/Wilburns: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Charlie Louvin: When I Was Your Man
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale The Crow Told Me
Roy Acuff: Gone Away
10:30 Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Homestead On The Farm
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Vil Willis & C.W. Mitchell: Bob
Charlie Nixon: Columbus Stockade Blues
10:45 Beech-Nut
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Lonzo & Oscar: A Fan Of Country Music
Crook Brothers/Ralph Sloan Dancers: Billy In The Low Ground
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde
11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry/My Favorite Sin
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: I'm Not At All Sorry For You
11:30 Acme
Hank Locklin (host): Flying South
Jeanne Pruett: Break My Mind/Satin Sheets
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On
Del Reeves and Marion Worth were both scheduled that night but cancelled out. As usual with the birthday shows from that era, the 1st show ran basically on time, but the 2nd show ran long. The show ended at 12:28 pm and that was only due to the fact that the final segment, which had only 3 artists scheduled, took only 20 minutes to complete. Roy Acuff's segment that featured the formal birthday celebration and was supposed to be a 15 minute segment lasted 35 minutes.
1st show:
6:00 Vietti
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleeping At The Foot Of The Bed
Wilma Lee Cooper: Come Walk With Me/Cheated Too
Jim & Jesse: My Baby's Gone/Ashes Of Love
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
Jimmy Dicken's Band: Little Liza Jane
6:30 Mrs Grissom's
Wilburn Brothers (host): It's Another World
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You, Myrtle
Wilburn Brothers: Mama's Shoebox
6:45 Rudy's
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Jeannie Seely: There Goes My Everything
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
7:00 Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World/I'll Fly Away
Charlie Louvin: I Gave My Love A Cherry/What Are Those Things With Big Black Wings
Vic Willis & C.W. Mitchell: Cimarron
Philamena Begley: Blanket On The Ground
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Feed You Now
7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tenn. Central #9/Sunshine Special
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Stonewall Jackson: My Favorite Sin
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sally Goodin
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light
8:00 Martha White
Lester Flatt (host) & The Nashville Grass: My Sara Jane
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here This Morning/Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom Of The Sea
Stu Phillips: It's A Heartache
Tater Tate: Black Mountain Blues
8:30 Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Ramblin' Rose
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On/Country Hall Of Fame
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cracklin Hen
Hank Snow: I'm Movin' On
2nd show:
9:30 Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Seaman's Blues
Jeannie Seely: Who Needs You
Jimmy Dickens: Family Reunion
Wilburn Brothers: Mama's Shoebox
Wilma Lee Cooper: Where Is America Going
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
10:00 Fender
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Feed You Now
Jim & Jesse: Stormy Horizons
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now
Billy Grammer: I'm Letting You Go
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot
10:15 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train To Memphis
Minnie Pearl: You Are My Sunshine
Roy Acuff/Minnie Pearl/S. Davis/S. Jackson/Wilburns: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Charlie Louvin: When I Was Your Man
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale The Crow Told Me
Roy Acuff: Gone Away
10:30 Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Homestead On The Farm
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Vil Willis & C.W. Mitchell: Bob
Charlie Nixon: Columbus Stockade Blues
10:45 Beech-Nut
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Lonzo & Oscar: A Fan Of Country Music
Crook Brothers/Ralph Sloan Dancers: Billy In The Low Ground
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde
11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry/My Favorite Sin
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: I'm Not At All Sorry For You
11:30 Acme
Hank Locklin (host): Flying South
Jeanne Pruett: Break My Mind/Satin Sheets
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On
Del Reeves and Marion Worth were both scheduled that night but cancelled out. As usual with the birthday shows from that era, the 1st show ran basically on time, but the 2nd show ran long. The show ended at 12:28 pm and that was only due to the fact that the final segment, which had only 3 artists scheduled, took only 20 minutes to complete. Roy Acuff's segment that featured the formal birthday celebration and was supposed to be a 15 minute segment lasted 35 minutes.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Grand Ole Opry Schedule 10/21 & 10/22--Updated
Update: Joe Diffie was a last minute cancellation for Friday night. Rebecca Lynn Howard replaced him.
I know that I have been posting lineups from Opry shows in years past, and more of that will be coming as the Opry continues through its birthday month, but now is the time to get back to the present as the Grand Ole Opry has posted the lineup for the shows this weekend. As with previous weeks in October, there is 1 show on Friday night and 2 shows on Saturday.
Saturday night's show will feature the annual "Opry Goes Pink" as the show remembers those who have suffered from breast cancer and helps create aweness. Martina McBride will throw the switch and the Opry barn will be pink in color for the night. Martina will be on the first show only on Saturday, while Opry member Ronnie Milsap will be appearing on both shows. In addition, American Idol performer Lauren Alaina will be guesting, along with Jeff & Sheri Easter. The last hour of the show will be televised on GAC.
The Friday Night Opry will feature former Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Price, who will also be the spotlight artist on the Thursday night Opry Country Classics show. Also appearing on Friday night will be Opry member Joe Diffie, along with non-members Mountain Heart and Whitney Duncan.
Friday October 21
7:00 Jeannie Seely (host): Jimmy C Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Rebecca Lynn Howard
7:30 Jimmy Dickens (host): Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
INTERMISSION
8:15 Riders In The Sky (host): The Whites; Mountain Heart
8:45 Mike Snider (host): Whitney Duncan; Ray Price
Saturday October 22
1st show:
7:00 Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Jeff & Sheri Easter
7:30 Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Ronnie Milsap
8:00 Lauren Alaina; Edens Edge; Kellie Pickler; Martina McBride
2nd show
9:30 Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Kellie Pickler
10:00 Mike Snider (host); Edens Edge; Ronnie Milsap
10:30 Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Lauren Alaina; Opry Square Dancers
11:00 Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Connie Smith; Jeff & Sheri Easter
That comes to 13 artists on Friday night (wow, up from the usual 12), of whom 9 are Opry members. The 1st show on Saturday night is down to 10 artists, of whom only 6 are Opry members. The 2nd Saturday show is back up to 13 artists, with 9 Opry members. And, on the 1st show the square dancers only get the opening slot.
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will feature Georgette Jones has the host. That should be a good show. Of course, she should be on the Opry that night, but no go.
Opry Country Classics on Thursday October 20 will have Ray Price as the spotlight artist. Here is that lineup:
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Ray Price
Also Appearing: Jim Ed Brown; Charlie McCoy; Chuck Mead; Jeannie C. Riley; The Whites; Holly Williams
And, finally, the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry, October 25th has been posted. That show will feature Keith Urban.
7:00 John Conlee; Kip Moore
7:30 Jimmy Dickens; Sunny Sweeney
INTERMISSION
8:15 Bill Anderson; Little Big Town
8:45 Keith Urban
I know that I have been posting lineups from Opry shows in years past, and more of that will be coming as the Opry continues through its birthday month, but now is the time to get back to the present as the Grand Ole Opry has posted the lineup for the shows this weekend. As with previous weeks in October, there is 1 show on Friday night and 2 shows on Saturday.
Saturday night's show will feature the annual "Opry Goes Pink" as the show remembers those who have suffered from breast cancer and helps create aweness. Martina McBride will throw the switch and the Opry barn will be pink in color for the night. Martina will be on the first show only on Saturday, while Opry member Ronnie Milsap will be appearing on both shows. In addition, American Idol performer Lauren Alaina will be guesting, along with Jeff & Sheri Easter. The last hour of the show will be televised on GAC.
The Friday Night Opry will feature former Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Price, who will also be the spotlight artist on the Thursday night Opry Country Classics show. Also appearing on Friday night will be Opry member Joe Diffie, along with non-members Mountain Heart and Whitney Duncan.
Friday October 21
7:00 Jeannie Seely (host): Jimmy C Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Rebecca Lynn Howard
7:30 Jimmy Dickens (host): Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
INTERMISSION
8:15 Riders In The Sky (host): The Whites; Mountain Heart
8:45 Mike Snider (host): Whitney Duncan; Ray Price
Saturday October 22
1st show:
7:00 Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Jeff & Sheri Easter
7:30 Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Ronnie Milsap
8:00 Lauren Alaina; Edens Edge; Kellie Pickler; Martina McBride
2nd show
9:30 Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Kellie Pickler
10:00 Mike Snider (host); Edens Edge; Ronnie Milsap
10:30 Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Lauren Alaina; Opry Square Dancers
11:00 Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Connie Smith; Jeff & Sheri Easter
That comes to 13 artists on Friday night (wow, up from the usual 12), of whom 9 are Opry members. The 1st show on Saturday night is down to 10 artists, of whom only 6 are Opry members. The 2nd Saturday show is back up to 13 artists, with 9 Opry members. And, on the 1st show the square dancers only get the opening slot.
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will feature Georgette Jones has the host. That should be a good show. Of course, she should be on the Opry that night, but no go.
Opry Country Classics on Thursday October 20 will have Ray Price as the spotlight artist. Here is that lineup:
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Ray Price
Also Appearing: Jim Ed Brown; Charlie McCoy; Chuck Mead; Jeannie C. Riley; The Whites; Holly Williams
And, finally, the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry, October 25th has been posted. That show will feature Keith Urban.
7:00 John Conlee; Kip Moore
7:30 Jimmy Dickens; Sunny Sweeney
INTERMISSION
8:15 Bill Anderson; Little Big Town
8:45 Keith Urban
Monday, October 17, 2011
Grand Ole Opry's 50th Birthday Celebration-October 18, 1975
On Saturday night October 18, 1975, the Grand Ole Opry celebrated it's 50th birthday. Some will say that outside of the opening night of the new Opry House in 1974, that this night produced the greatest line up in the history of the Opry. When you look at the line up, it is hard to argue. If not the 2nd best show history, it certainly is in the top 5.
The birthday celebration took place during the 2nd show. What I have is the line up from the 1st show and the running order and song list from the 2nd show, including the actual times that the segments took place.
When I was in Nashville several weeks back, I was asked how do I get these line ups. As I told the person then, some of these come from my own records and some come from others who I know have kept a record of many of the shows over the years. In this case, I want to give credit where credit is due, and the running order of the 2nd show comes courtesy of a friend of mine, Barry. You will see Barry leaving comments once in a while on the blog and I appreciate him sending me this show line up. Thanks Barry!!
Saturday October 18, 1975
1st Show:
6:00 Vietti
Bill Anderson (host)
Stonewall Jackson
Billy Grammer
Stu Phillips
Justin Tubb
6:30 Mrs Grissoms
Jack Greene (host)
Jeannie Seely
The Carlisles
4 Guys
6:45 Rudy's
Del Reeves (host)
Barbara Mandrell
Charlie Louvin
Jimmy C Newman
7:00 Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host)
Hank Locklin
Skeeter Davis
Jim & Jesse
The Wilburn Brothers
7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host)
Jean Shepard
Minnie Pearl
Charlie Walker
Don Gibson
Del Wood
Crook Brothers
Tennessee Travelers
8:00 Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host)
Dolly Parton
David Houston
Dottie West
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
8:30 Stephens
Hank Snow (host)
Jeanne Pruett
Roy Drusky
Ray Pillow
Marion Worth
Willis Brothers
Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd Show
9:30-10:10 Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): If You Don't Quit Checkin' on Me
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Connie Smith: How Can You Accuse Him Now
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Barbara Mandrell: Johnny B Goode
Stu Phillips: Only You Can Touch the Wind
The Carlisles: Same Old Tale
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
10:10-10:40 Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Country DJ
Jean Shepard: I'm A Believer
George Lindsey: Comedy
Del Reeves: Impressions of Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Walter Brennan, Tex Ritter
Skeeter Davis: On the Way Home
Hank Locklin-Country Hall of Fame
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
10:40-11:35 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Cottonfields
Roy Clark & Family: A Sweet Bunch of Daisies/Pain in my Heart/John Hardy
Minnie Pearl: Comedy/Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes
Tammy Wynette: Clap Your Hands
Presentations by Hal Durham, Hal Davis and Mayor Richard Fulton
Birthday Cake
Charlie Louvin: American Trilogy
Billy Grammer: Instrumental
Jimmy C Newman: Alligator Man
11:35-12:05 Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): Indian Creek
Dolly Parton: We Used To
4 Guys: Down by the Lazy River
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Jeannie Seely & Dottie West: Don't Touch Me
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Say Forever You'll Be Mine
Dolly Parton: The Seeker
12:05-12:25 Beech-Nut
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Dottie West & Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
The Wilburn Brothers: Country Honey
Susan Raye: He Gives Me Something to Forgive Him For
Alcyone Beasley: Special Award
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton Eyed Joe
12:25-12:50 Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Jeanne Pruett (with Dottie West & Jeannie Seely): Satin Sheets
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
The Fruit Jar Drinkers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatam
Del Wood-Keep on the Firing Line
Kirk McGee: Freight Train
Hank Snow: A Fool Such As I
12:50-1:15 Baltz Bros
Roy Drusky (host): Sunrise
David Houston: Sweet Molly
Marion Worth: For the Good Times
Ray Pillow: Roll on Truckers
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know/Throwing Rice at Her Now/Four Walls
As you can see, this show was loaded and really ran over. It is amazing that they scheduled 7 acts in a 15 minute segment!! Even with this line up there a few Opry members missing including Marty Robbins, Grandpa Jones and Bill Monroe, among the bigger names.
In addition, here is the artists that were on the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree that night:
1:15-2:15 Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Part 1
Ernest Tubb
Moe Bandy
Willie Nelson
Jimmie Skinner
Lois Johnson
2:15-3:15 Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Part 2
Justin Tubb
Brian Collins
Barbara Fairchild
Atlanta James
The Tumbleweeds
Hope you enjoy!!!
The birthday celebration took place during the 2nd show. What I have is the line up from the 1st show and the running order and song list from the 2nd show, including the actual times that the segments took place.
When I was in Nashville several weeks back, I was asked how do I get these line ups. As I told the person then, some of these come from my own records and some come from others who I know have kept a record of many of the shows over the years. In this case, I want to give credit where credit is due, and the running order of the 2nd show comes courtesy of a friend of mine, Barry. You will see Barry leaving comments once in a while on the blog and I appreciate him sending me this show line up. Thanks Barry!!
Saturday October 18, 1975
1st Show:
6:00 Vietti
Bill Anderson (host)
Stonewall Jackson
Billy Grammer
Stu Phillips
Justin Tubb
6:30 Mrs Grissoms
Jack Greene (host)
Jeannie Seely
The Carlisles
4 Guys
6:45 Rudy's
Del Reeves (host)
Barbara Mandrell
Charlie Louvin
Jimmy C Newman
7:00 Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host)
Hank Locklin
Skeeter Davis
Jim & Jesse
The Wilburn Brothers
7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host)
Jean Shepard
Minnie Pearl
Charlie Walker
Don Gibson
Del Wood
Crook Brothers
Tennessee Travelers
8:00 Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host)
Dolly Parton
David Houston
Dottie West
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
8:30 Stephens
Hank Snow (host)
Jeanne Pruett
Roy Drusky
Ray Pillow
Marion Worth
Willis Brothers
Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd Show
9:30-10:10 Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): If You Don't Quit Checkin' on Me
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Connie Smith: How Can You Accuse Him Now
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Barbara Mandrell: Johnny B Goode
Stu Phillips: Only You Can Touch the Wind
The Carlisles: Same Old Tale
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
10:10-10:40 Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Country DJ
Jean Shepard: I'm A Believer
George Lindsey: Comedy
Del Reeves: Impressions of Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Walter Brennan, Tex Ritter
Skeeter Davis: On the Way Home
Hank Locklin-Country Hall of Fame
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
10:40-11:35 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Cottonfields
Roy Clark & Family: A Sweet Bunch of Daisies/Pain in my Heart/John Hardy
Minnie Pearl: Comedy/Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes
Tammy Wynette: Clap Your Hands
Presentations by Hal Durham, Hal Davis and Mayor Richard Fulton
Birthday Cake
Charlie Louvin: American Trilogy
Billy Grammer: Instrumental
Jimmy C Newman: Alligator Man
11:35-12:05 Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): Indian Creek
Dolly Parton: We Used To
4 Guys: Down by the Lazy River
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Jeannie Seely & Dottie West: Don't Touch Me
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Say Forever You'll Be Mine
Dolly Parton: The Seeker
12:05-12:25 Beech-Nut
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Dottie West & Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
The Wilburn Brothers: Country Honey
Susan Raye: He Gives Me Something to Forgive Him For
Alcyone Beasley: Special Award
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton Eyed Joe
12:25-12:50 Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Jeanne Pruett (with Dottie West & Jeannie Seely): Satin Sheets
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
The Fruit Jar Drinkers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatam
Del Wood-Keep on the Firing Line
Kirk McGee: Freight Train
Hank Snow: A Fool Such As I
12:50-1:15 Baltz Bros
Roy Drusky (host): Sunrise
David Houston: Sweet Molly
Marion Worth: For the Good Times
Ray Pillow: Roll on Truckers
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know/Throwing Rice at Her Now/Four Walls
As you can see, this show was loaded and really ran over. It is amazing that they scheduled 7 acts in a 15 minute segment!! Even with this line up there a few Opry members missing including Marty Robbins, Grandpa Jones and Bill Monroe, among the bigger names.
In addition, here is the artists that were on the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree that night:
1:15-2:15 Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Part 1
Ernest Tubb
Moe Bandy
Willie Nelson
Jimmie Skinner
Lois Johnson
2:15-3:15 Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Part 2
Justin Tubb
Brian Collins
Barbara Fairchild
Atlanta James
The Tumbleweeds
Hope you enjoy!!!
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