One thing that you can say about the Grand Ole Opry is that some weeks are better than others. Last weekend, the Opry line-up was one of the better ones as Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Vince Gill and Larry Gatlin, among many others, performed. Next weekend, Carrie Underwood and Bobby Bare are scheduled, along with Jim Ed Brown, who will be celebrating 50 years as an Opry member.
While this weekend's line-ups are not terribly bad, they are somewhat of a let down from last week. The Friday Night Opry will feature guest artists Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, along with Holly Williams and frequent Opry guest Mark Wills. Saturday's show will have Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Mindy Smith, along with very frequent Opry guest Jimmy Wayne. And not to forget one of my favorites and a very underrated entertainer, Johnny Counterfit is scheduled. Both nights feature the usual Opry regulars.
Friday August 2:
7:00: John Conlee (host); James Otto; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Andy Griggs; Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Mark Wills
Saturday August 3:
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Andy Gibson; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); James Wesley; Jeff & Sheri Easter
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Johnny Counterfit; Mindy Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy Wayne
Not sure where all of the Opry's members are this weekend, but there are only 7 scheduled on Friday night and just 5 on Saturday night. 5 out of 65?
I can across an email that frequent Opry guest Kristen Kelly will be performing in Chicago on Friday August 9 as the Chicago White Sox will celebrate Country Music Night during their home game against the Minnesota Twins. Kristen will sing the national anthem following her performance in front of the "Grand Ole Opry's microphone stand." A post game fireworks display will be accompanied by video performances from various artists on "Grand Ole Opry stage." Not quite sure what all that means. Are they going to show a remote from the Grand Ole Opry or just show various media clips? Also, I just wonder why a non-Opry member singing in front of the Opry microphone stand. Could they not come up with an actual Opry member? Just curious. Whether an Opry member or not, I am glad to see the Opry spreading their brand and promoting the show to a potential new audience.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Tuesday Night Opry 7/30 & Wednesday Night Opry 7/31
Here are the line-ups for the mid-week Opry shows for this week:
Tuesday July 30:
7:00: Rachel Farley; Riders In The Sky
7:30: Bill Anderson; Neal McCoy
Intermission
8:15: Love & Theft; Ricky Skaggs
8:45: Josh Turner
Wednesday July 31:
7:00: Kristen Kelly; John Conlee
7:30: Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Josh Thompson
8:45: Lauren Alaina; Restless Heart
After the Opry on Wednesday night, Josh will be making a road trip as he will be appearing at the Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff here in Canton at the Stark County Fairgrounds, which I can see from the upstairs of my house. Not sure if I will go down to see him or not, but I will be able to hear the show in my backyard.
On the good news front, Jimmy Dickens is reported to have completed his treatments regarding his throat issues and is doing very well and in good spirits. He hopes to get back to the Opry soon.
And still no news from the Opry regarding the August 10th show, which is Jim Ed Brown and The Browns 50th anniversary since joining the Opry. I know numerous people, including me, have asked and left comments, but to this point no news or no response. We shall see.
Tuesday July 30:
7:00: Rachel Farley; Riders In The Sky
7:30: Bill Anderson; Neal McCoy
Intermission
8:15: Love & Theft; Ricky Skaggs
8:45: Josh Turner
Wednesday July 31:
7:00: Kristen Kelly; John Conlee
7:30: Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Josh Thompson
8:45: Lauren Alaina; Restless Heart
After the Opry on Wednesday night, Josh will be making a road trip as he will be appearing at the Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff here in Canton at the Stark County Fairgrounds, which I can see from the upstairs of my house. Not sure if I will go down to see him or not, but I will be able to hear the show in my backyard.
On the good news front, Jimmy Dickens is reported to have completed his treatments regarding his throat issues and is doing very well and in good spirits. He hopes to get back to the Opry soon.
And still no news from the Opry regarding the August 10th show, which is Jim Ed Brown and The Browns 50th anniversary since joining the Opry. I know numerous people, including me, have asked and left comments, but to this point no news or no response. We shall see.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Former Opry Member Don Williams
It was on Saturday July 31, 1976, 37 years ago, that Don Williams made his first Saturday night appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. (Don had actually joined the show in April 1976, but until that July date had only made a Friday night appearance).
Don Williams was born in Texas and grew up in the Southwest. By the age of 12 he was playing the guitar, taught to him by his mother. His first paid job as a singer was in Gregory, Texas during his sophomore year in high school. He later joined the Army and spent time in Japan. After leaving the Army, he took on various jobs before deciding to return to music. In 1964, he formed the Pozo Seco Singers, and they had a top 10 hit with "Time." They stayed together until 1970, when Don went out on his own. Don is one of the most talented songwriters in the history of country music, writing close to 500 songs. Not only have his songs been recorded by him, but by artists such as Sonny James, Jeanne Pruett, Johnny Cash, Lefty Frizzell and Lobo. During his career, he has had 17 #1 hits and in 2010 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Today, at the age of 74, Don still makes personal appearances, but they are few. That is not a surprise as even during the peak of his hit making days, he was not much of a traveler.
Don was only an Opry member for a short period of time, and during that time, he made very few Opry appearances. In 1977, he made 3 Opry appearances and after that he made no more shows until his final night as a member in 1981.
Here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from Saturday July 31, 1976, the first Saturday night show for new Opry member Don Williams.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Willis Brothers: Home On The Range
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
6:45: Rudy's
George Hamilton IV (host): Country Music In My Soul
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
O.B. McClinton: Blanket On the Ground
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
7:00: Shoney's
Charlie Louvin (host): Did You Ever
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
Justin Tubb: Cold Brown Bottle
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Charlie Louvin: Let's Put Our World Back Together/A Toast To Mama/Love Has To Die/I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow/I Want A Happy Life
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Justin Tubb: Keep Me From Blowing Away
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Bob Luman: Neither One Of Us
Don Williams: You're My Best Friend/Turn Out The Lights & Love Me Tonight
Crook Brothers/Ralph Sloan: Soldier's Joy
Bob Luman: A Satisfied Mind
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want To Know
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass (host): Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone
4 Guys: Top Of The World
Melba Montgomery: Lonely Street
Jim Mundy: Never Met A Girl I Didn't Like
Paul Warren: Orange Blossom Special
4 Guys: The Morning Sun
Melba Montgomery: Don't Let The Good Times Fool You
Lester Flatt: Great Big Woman & A Little Biddy Bottle Of Wine
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Miller's Cave
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ronnie Milsap: I'm A Stand By My Woman Man/Day Dreams About Night Things
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Jeanne Pruett: It Doesn't Hurt To Ask
Hank Snow: That's When He Dropped The World In My Hands
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those Things
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Where Is America Going
Bill Carlisle: Business Man
Charlie Louvin: Poison Red Berries
O.B. McClinton: I'm The Other One
Brother Oswald: Dobro Chimes
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
10:00: Fender
Roy Drusky (host): Fraulein
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders In The Sky
Don Williams: I Recall A Gypsy Woman
Roy Drusky: Alone With You
10:15: Union 76
Billy Grammer (host): Under The Double Eagle
Melba Montgomery: Don't Keep Me Lonely Too Long
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host)
Paul Warren: Black-Eyed Susie
Justin Tubb: Sweetwater, Texas
Bob Luman: A Satisfied Mind
Lester Flatt: Mama Don't Allow It
10:45: Beech-Nut
4 Guys (host): Turn Your Radio On
Ronnie Milsap: What Goes On When The Sun Goes Down
Crook Brothers/Ralph Sloan: Gray Eagle
4 Guys: The Morning Sun
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Jim Mundy: Never Met A Girl I Didn't Like
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Hank Snow: Old Doc Brown
Jim Mundy: The Rivers Too Wide
Kirk McGee: The End Of Forever
Hank Snow: Traveling Blues
11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): El Paso City
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Break My Mind
Ronnie Robbins: Good Hearted Woman/Bitter They Are
Marty Robbins: Cool Water/Love Me/Don't Worry/El Paso
While this was Don Williams first Saturday night as an Opry member, his final show was on August 22, 1981. To show how little Don played the Opry, this was his first Opry show in over 3 years. Here is the line-up for that final show for Don Williams.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Full Moon, Empty Pockets
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): T For Texas
Jan Howard: Six Weeks Every Summer; Christmas Every Other Year
Charlie Walker: Little Old Wine Drinker Me/Waltz Across Texas
7:00: Shoney's
Charlie Louvin (host): What Are Those Things
Billy Grammer: When Your Hair Turned To Silver
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
John Conlee: Could You Love Me One More Time/Miss Emily's Picture
Joe Edwards: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: Ten Years, 3 Kids; 2 Loves Too Late
7:30: Standard Candy
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/I'll Fly Away
Roy Drusky: If The Whole World Stopped Loving
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Lost Indian
Archie & Phil Campbell: Hey Waiter
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
David Houston: Bandera Waltz
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird/Shake My Mother's Hand For Me
8:30: Acme
4 Guys (host): Loving Up A Storm
Jeannie Seely: When Your House Is Not A Home
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hollow Poplar
Don Williams: Living On Tulsa Time/I Believe In You/Amanda
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
4 Guys (host): Mama Rocked Us To Sleep With Country Music
Ray Pillow: She Never Likes Nothing For Long
Jan Howard: Good Hearted Woman
Don Williams: Living On Tulsa Time/I Believe In You/Amanda
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Louvin (host): The Way I Am
John Conlee: Could You Love Me One More Time/Miss Emily's Picture
Charlie Louvin: Is This How It Is When It's Over
10:15: Sunbeam
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
David Houston: Bandera Waltz
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Charlie Walker: The One Rose That's Left In My Heart
Howdy Forrester: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Roy Acuff: Jesus Will Outshine Them All
10:45: Beech-Nut
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Skeeter Davis: The Old Rugged Cross/The King Is Coming/I'll Fly Away
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Old Joe Clark
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
11:00: Coca-Cola
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
The Pilgrims: When They Call My Name
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Archie & Phil Campbell: The Interview
11:30: Bama
Roy Drusky (host): Billy Bayou
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Vic Willis Trio: Shenendoah
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Drusky: There'll Never Be Anyone Else But You For Me/Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Don Williams was only an Opry member for a little more than 5 years. Much like BJ Thomas, who joined the Opry during the same time period, Don came to realize that the Opry just wasn't for him. And instead of staying a member and not making any, or just a few appearances, he decided to move on. I give Don credit for that. In thinking about it, I wonder how many of today's Opry members have come to realize over time that the Opry just isn't for them. But instead of following Don and BJ's example, they have just stayed on as members.
Don Williams was born in Texas and grew up in the Southwest. By the age of 12 he was playing the guitar, taught to him by his mother. His first paid job as a singer was in Gregory, Texas during his sophomore year in high school. He later joined the Army and spent time in Japan. After leaving the Army, he took on various jobs before deciding to return to music. In 1964, he formed the Pozo Seco Singers, and they had a top 10 hit with "Time." They stayed together until 1970, when Don went out on his own. Don is one of the most talented songwriters in the history of country music, writing close to 500 songs. Not only have his songs been recorded by him, but by artists such as Sonny James, Jeanne Pruett, Johnny Cash, Lefty Frizzell and Lobo. During his career, he has had 17 #1 hits and in 2010 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Today, at the age of 74, Don still makes personal appearances, but they are few. That is not a surprise as even during the peak of his hit making days, he was not much of a traveler.
Don was only an Opry member for a short period of time, and during that time, he made very few Opry appearances. In 1977, he made 3 Opry appearances and after that he made no more shows until his final night as a member in 1981.
Here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from Saturday July 31, 1976, the first Saturday night show for new Opry member Don Williams.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Willis Brothers: Home On The Range
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
6:45: Rudy's
George Hamilton IV (host): Country Music In My Soul
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
O.B. McClinton: Blanket On the Ground
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
7:00: Shoney's
Charlie Louvin (host): Did You Ever
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
Justin Tubb: Cold Brown Bottle
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Charlie Louvin: Let's Put Our World Back Together/A Toast To Mama/Love Has To Die/I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow/I Want A Happy Life
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Justin Tubb: Keep Me From Blowing Away
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Bob Luman: Neither One Of Us
Don Williams: You're My Best Friend/Turn Out The Lights & Love Me Tonight
Crook Brothers/Ralph Sloan: Soldier's Joy
Bob Luman: A Satisfied Mind
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want To Know
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass (host): Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone
4 Guys: Top Of The World
Melba Montgomery: Lonely Street
Jim Mundy: Never Met A Girl I Didn't Like
Paul Warren: Orange Blossom Special
4 Guys: The Morning Sun
Melba Montgomery: Don't Let The Good Times Fool You
Lester Flatt: Great Big Woman & A Little Biddy Bottle Of Wine
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Miller's Cave
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ronnie Milsap: I'm A Stand By My Woman Man/Day Dreams About Night Things
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Jeanne Pruett: It Doesn't Hurt To Ask
Hank Snow: That's When He Dropped The World In My Hands
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those Things
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Where Is America Going
Bill Carlisle: Business Man
Charlie Louvin: Poison Red Berries
O.B. McClinton: I'm The Other One
Brother Oswald: Dobro Chimes
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
10:00: Fender
Roy Drusky (host): Fraulein
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders In The Sky
Don Williams: I Recall A Gypsy Woman
Roy Drusky: Alone With You
10:15: Union 76
Billy Grammer (host): Under The Double Eagle
Melba Montgomery: Don't Keep Me Lonely Too Long
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host)
Paul Warren: Black-Eyed Susie
Justin Tubb: Sweetwater, Texas
Bob Luman: A Satisfied Mind
Lester Flatt: Mama Don't Allow It
10:45: Beech-Nut
4 Guys (host): Turn Your Radio On
Ronnie Milsap: What Goes On When The Sun Goes Down
Crook Brothers/Ralph Sloan: Gray Eagle
4 Guys: The Morning Sun
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Jim Mundy: Never Met A Girl I Didn't Like
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Hank Snow: Old Doc Brown
Jim Mundy: The Rivers Too Wide
Kirk McGee: The End Of Forever
Hank Snow: Traveling Blues
11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): El Paso City
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Break My Mind
Ronnie Robbins: Good Hearted Woman/Bitter They Are
Marty Robbins: Cool Water/Love Me/Don't Worry/El Paso
While this was Don Williams first Saturday night as an Opry member, his final show was on August 22, 1981. To show how little Don played the Opry, this was his first Opry show in over 3 years. Here is the line-up for that final show for Don Williams.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Full Moon, Empty Pockets
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): T For Texas
Jan Howard: Six Weeks Every Summer; Christmas Every Other Year
Charlie Walker: Little Old Wine Drinker Me/Waltz Across Texas
7:00: Shoney's
Charlie Louvin (host): What Are Those Things
Billy Grammer: When Your Hair Turned To Silver
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
John Conlee: Could You Love Me One More Time/Miss Emily's Picture
Joe Edwards: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: Ten Years, 3 Kids; 2 Loves Too Late
7:30: Standard Candy
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/I'll Fly Away
Roy Drusky: If The Whole World Stopped Loving
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Lost Indian
Archie & Phil Campbell: Hey Waiter
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
David Houston: Bandera Waltz
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird/Shake My Mother's Hand For Me
8:30: Acme
4 Guys (host): Loving Up A Storm
Jeannie Seely: When Your House Is Not A Home
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hollow Poplar
Don Williams: Living On Tulsa Time/I Believe In You/Amanda
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
4 Guys (host): Mama Rocked Us To Sleep With Country Music
Ray Pillow: She Never Likes Nothing For Long
Jan Howard: Good Hearted Woman
Don Williams: Living On Tulsa Time/I Believe In You/Amanda
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Louvin (host): The Way I Am
John Conlee: Could You Love Me One More Time/Miss Emily's Picture
Charlie Louvin: Is This How It Is When It's Over
10:15: Sunbeam
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
David Houston: Bandera Waltz
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Charlie Walker: The One Rose That's Left In My Heart
Howdy Forrester: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Roy Acuff: Jesus Will Outshine Them All
10:45: Beech-Nut
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Skeeter Davis: The Old Rugged Cross/The King Is Coming/I'll Fly Away
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Old Joe Clark
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
11:00: Coca-Cola
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
The Pilgrims: When They Call My Name
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Archie & Phil Campbell: The Interview
11:30: Bama
Roy Drusky (host): Billy Bayou
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Vic Willis Trio: Shenendoah
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Drusky: There'll Never Be Anyone Else But You For Me/Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Don Williams was only an Opry member for a little more than 5 years. Much like BJ Thomas, who joined the Opry during the same time period, Don came to realize that the Opry just wasn't for him. And instead of staying a member and not making any, or just a few appearances, he decided to move on. I give Don credit for that. In thinking about it, I wonder how many of today's Opry members have come to realize over time that the Opry just isn't for them. But instead of following Don and BJ's example, they have just stayed on as members.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Grand Ole Opry 7/26 & 7/27
When I looked at the Grand Ole Opry line-ups for this weekend, the first thing that came into my mind was that these are the type of line-ups that I like to see, and what helps to make for a good weekend at the Opry. There is so much variety in the 2 shows this weekend, that there is something to please everyone.
The Friday Night Opry has a good solid line-up of 14 artists including guest artists Kim Richey, Chuck Wicks and bluegrass veterans The Grascals. If that is not enough, the legendary Gene Watson will be featured, along with the popular Larry Gatlin. Mike Snider will be on with his comedy and instrumental skills and Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Jean Shepard will entertain. Throw in a legend or two, and the show is ready to go.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, performing with his fellow Time Jumper's member Paul Franklin. They will be featuring music from their new album, "Bakersfield", which is a tribute to the great Bakersfield sound. I have heard cuts of the album, which comes out this weekend, and it sounds like a winner. Also appearing, and promoting their new album, will be Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tills, who have been touring together. Bluegrass will be featured with Bobby Osborne and Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. Joe is from southern Ohio and owns a group of classic country radio stations and he has a fine group that I have seen perform before. The western sound is covered with Riders In The Sky, young Elizabeth Cook will feature her honky-tonk style and Connie Smith and George Hamilton IV are also on the schedule. All in all, a good weekend at the Opry.
Friday July 26:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chuck Wicks; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Mike Snider; Kim Richey
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; The Grascals
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); Mandy Barnett; Gene Watson
Saturday July 27:
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Elizabeth Cook; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Lorrie Morgan & Pam Tillis (hosts); George Hamilton IV; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Billy Yates; Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Paul Franklin; Connie Smith
A few people have asked if I have heard any additional news on Jimmy Dickens. I have not so I hope all is as well as can be expected. Also, Jesse McReynolds was on the original schedule for this weekend and he has been taken off. I know he has missed the last several weeks so hope all is well with Jesse.
Enjoy the shows.
The Friday Night Opry has a good solid line-up of 14 artists including guest artists Kim Richey, Chuck Wicks and bluegrass veterans The Grascals. If that is not enough, the legendary Gene Watson will be featured, along with the popular Larry Gatlin. Mike Snider will be on with his comedy and instrumental skills and Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Jean Shepard will entertain. Throw in a legend or two, and the show is ready to go.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, performing with his fellow Time Jumper's member Paul Franklin. They will be featuring music from their new album, "Bakersfield", which is a tribute to the great Bakersfield sound. I have heard cuts of the album, which comes out this weekend, and it sounds like a winner. Also appearing, and promoting their new album, will be Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tills, who have been touring together. Bluegrass will be featured with Bobby Osborne and Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. Joe is from southern Ohio and owns a group of classic country radio stations and he has a fine group that I have seen perform before. The western sound is covered with Riders In The Sky, young Elizabeth Cook will feature her honky-tonk style and Connie Smith and George Hamilton IV are also on the schedule. All in all, a good weekend at the Opry.
Friday July 26:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chuck Wicks; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Mike Snider; Kim Richey
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; The Grascals
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); Mandy Barnett; Gene Watson
Saturday July 27:
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Elizabeth Cook; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Lorrie Morgan & Pam Tillis (hosts); George Hamilton IV; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Billy Yates; Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Paul Franklin; Connie Smith
A few people have asked if I have heard any additional news on Jimmy Dickens. I have not so I hope all is as well as can be expected. Also, Jesse McReynolds was on the original schedule for this weekend and he has been taken off. I know he has missed the last several weeks so hope all is well with Jesse.
Enjoy the shows.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
The Question of Opry Membership and Guest Artists
Just to follow up on what my friend Barry commented on, I thought I would add some of my thoughts:
I go back to the comment that Pete Fisher made in 2001, "There is no longer a membership only approach in booking the show."
That is fine and as much as I enjoy going to the Opry and listening to the show each week, I do enjoy the variety. Nothing against Bobby Osborne, but how many weeks in a row can he sing "Rocky Top?" And I agree that in the 1980s and 1990s, the show was getting old and was more like a living museum of country music than a contemporary show. With so many of the same members performing each week, there were very few guest artists or younger acts performing.
But if you are going to have members, then have members who are going to appear on the show and allow those members who want to be on the show each week that opportunity. There are not that many legends left, maybe a dozen. Let them enjoy what is left of their performing careers and their time in the spotlight. The younger fans do enjoy the veterans and treat them with a lot of respect, and as long as you mix in the younger acts, everyone is fine.
But the issue is membership. I do think that while Pete Fisher is asking new members for 10 show a year, at the same time he is telling them no more than 10 shows a year, if that makes sense. If you look at all of the members he has brought on board since 1999, 7-10 shows per year is the average. I know that there was a case a year or so ago when Josh Turner, one of Pete's newer members, wanted to do the Opry one night and was actually on the Opry's upcoming schedule. He was called and told that they didn't need him that night. And that is one of the Opry's more popular younger acts.
At the same time, the Opry is doing things to merge the line on who is a member and who is not, so that the average younger fan of country music, doesn't really know. I have a few examples: for years, the Opry sold a small program at each show for 50 cents that included the names and a brief sentence on each Opry member. On the Opry's website, they not only have biographies of members listed, but also dozens and dozens of guest artists. Outside of a line by there name that says, "Opry member since.....", there is no real difference. Also on the website, there is more promotion of projects by non-Opry members than members. For weeks, The Band Perry was highlighted on the site, and not only are they not members, but they rarely appear on the Opry. I think that the only place you will find a list of just Opry members is the Picture History Book that is sold at the Opry House.
Barry is right that there are a lot of shows that have "B" and "C" class talent. Nothing against Jimmy Wayne, Rebecca Lynn Howard or Andy Gibson (who are on this week's schedule), but would anybody pay up to $60 to see them individually or as a group in concert? 2 nights ago I could have gone and seen Toby Keith and 2 opening acts in concert for $25 at Blossom Music Center. The Opry will tell you that you are not paying to see individual acts as much as to have the entire Opry experience. That is fine and I understand that, but at some point you have to have enough of the "A" acts to justify the price. And let's face it, this is not the Opry that many of us grew up to love. As times have changed, the Opry has changed.
Back to the membership question that Barry originally raised. I do think that for a lot of these artists, Opry membership is more of a symbol than an actual commitment. Something that they can point to, which makes them feel good, and something that is mentioned in interviews and other articles, which makes the Opry feel good. It's a win for both of them. And if they don't show up to perform on the show, the Opry has other acts that they can call and schedule, member or not.
But as an old-timer, I do wish that the Opry would enforce the membership requirement and add members who will be there. Those who attend the show and buy tickets do deserve that. Rhonda Vincent, Dailey & Vincent, Crystal Gayle and Gene Watson, just to mention a few, are several of those who make more Opry appearances a year than a majority of the members.
I find it interesting that they will limit the appearances of some one like Josh Turner to 10 or less, but at the same time they feel it is ok to schedule non-members such as Mandy Barnett, Sarah Darling, Jimmy Wayne or Chris Janson, up to 20 shows per year. That part of it doesn't make sense to me.
I go back to the comment that Pete Fisher made in 2001, "There is no longer a membership only approach in booking the show."
That is fine and as much as I enjoy going to the Opry and listening to the show each week, I do enjoy the variety. Nothing against Bobby Osborne, but how many weeks in a row can he sing "Rocky Top?" And I agree that in the 1980s and 1990s, the show was getting old and was more like a living museum of country music than a contemporary show. With so many of the same members performing each week, there were very few guest artists or younger acts performing.
But if you are going to have members, then have members who are going to appear on the show and allow those members who want to be on the show each week that opportunity. There are not that many legends left, maybe a dozen. Let them enjoy what is left of their performing careers and their time in the spotlight. The younger fans do enjoy the veterans and treat them with a lot of respect, and as long as you mix in the younger acts, everyone is fine.
But the issue is membership. I do think that while Pete Fisher is asking new members for 10 show a year, at the same time he is telling them no more than 10 shows a year, if that makes sense. If you look at all of the members he has brought on board since 1999, 7-10 shows per year is the average. I know that there was a case a year or so ago when Josh Turner, one of Pete's newer members, wanted to do the Opry one night and was actually on the Opry's upcoming schedule. He was called and told that they didn't need him that night. And that is one of the Opry's more popular younger acts.
At the same time, the Opry is doing things to merge the line on who is a member and who is not, so that the average younger fan of country music, doesn't really know. I have a few examples: for years, the Opry sold a small program at each show for 50 cents that included the names and a brief sentence on each Opry member. On the Opry's website, they not only have biographies of members listed, but also dozens and dozens of guest artists. Outside of a line by there name that says, "Opry member since.....", there is no real difference. Also on the website, there is more promotion of projects by non-Opry members than members. For weeks, The Band Perry was highlighted on the site, and not only are they not members, but they rarely appear on the Opry. I think that the only place you will find a list of just Opry members is the Picture History Book that is sold at the Opry House.
Barry is right that there are a lot of shows that have "B" and "C" class talent. Nothing against Jimmy Wayne, Rebecca Lynn Howard or Andy Gibson (who are on this week's schedule), but would anybody pay up to $60 to see them individually or as a group in concert? 2 nights ago I could have gone and seen Toby Keith and 2 opening acts in concert for $25 at Blossom Music Center. The Opry will tell you that you are not paying to see individual acts as much as to have the entire Opry experience. That is fine and I understand that, but at some point you have to have enough of the "A" acts to justify the price. And let's face it, this is not the Opry that many of us grew up to love. As times have changed, the Opry has changed.
Back to the membership question that Barry originally raised. I do think that for a lot of these artists, Opry membership is more of a symbol than an actual commitment. Something that they can point to, which makes them feel good, and something that is mentioned in interviews and other articles, which makes the Opry feel good. It's a win for both of them. And if they don't show up to perform on the show, the Opry has other acts that they can call and schedule, member or not.
But as an old-timer, I do wish that the Opry would enforce the membership requirement and add members who will be there. Those who attend the show and buy tickets do deserve that. Rhonda Vincent, Dailey & Vincent, Crystal Gayle and Gene Watson, just to mention a few, are several of those who make more Opry appearances a year than a majority of the members.
I find it interesting that they will limit the appearances of some one like Josh Turner to 10 or less, but at the same time they feel it is ok to schedule non-members such as Mandy Barnett, Sarah Darling, Jimmy Wayne or Chris Janson, up to 20 shows per year. That part of it doesn't make sense to me.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Grand Ole Opry 7/19 & 7/20
They call these the "dog days of summer" and as the Opry rolls through summer, things seem pretty quiet on Opryland Drive in Nashville. There is the usual one show each on Friday and Saturday night this weekend and while the line-ups are "ok" there is nothing spectacular about them.
The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry members Larry Gatlin and Mel Tillis, along with guest artists Angie Johnson and our old friend Tracy Lawrence. Back in the 1990s when Tracy was having hit after hit, there was speculation that Tracy would perhaps become an Opry member. He may have even been asked, or at least an inquiry made. I remember at the time that Tracy had said that he was too busy at that point in his career, but perhaps later on. Well, Tracy is now 45 and his hit-making days are pretty much behind him and I don't think an Opry invitation is coming any time soon. But it is nice to see him back at the Opry.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature another guest appearance by "Nashville" star Jonathan Jackson, who actually is a pretty good singer. With the Opry's Steve Buchanan as the Executive Producer of the show, and the continue involvement of the Opry, we probably will continue to see more of the "Nashville" stars on the Opry and the Opry being featured on the television show.
In addition to Jonathan Jackson, Darryl Worley and Andy Gibson will be making guest appearances. Also on the schedule for Saturday night is Jesse McReynolds, who has missed the past couple of weeks. Saturday night will also feature this week's Opry newcomers, Sons of Fathers. This is a Texas based duo.
Friday July 19:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Tracy Lawrence
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Angie Johnson
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); Mel Tillis
Saturday July 20:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Andy Gibson; Mike Snider
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Sons Of Fathers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host): Jesse McReynolds; Jonathan Jackson; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); Connie Smith; Darryl Worley
This week's look back in Grand Ole Opry history will feature a couple of line-ups. The 1st is from July 21, 1973 (40 years ago), when Jeanne Pruett joined the Grand Ole Opry. Jeanne was the last singing member of the Opry to join the show before it moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House (Jerry Clower did join after her but he is a comedian). Jeanne originally came to Nashville from Alabama and was a songwriter with Marty Robbins Enterprises. She then started singing and RCA signed her to a recording contract. Jeanne mentions that she was actually an Opry member for about a year before her formal induction, which was delayed because Dolly Parton wanted to be the one to introduce Jeanne as the Opry's newest member. Of course "Satin Sheets" was her career song. Jeanne is now 76 and is retired from the music business. Her last Opry appearances were in 2001. There are some who say that she saw the writing on the wall at the Opry as her appearances went from 64 in 2000 down to 23 in her final year, and she didn't appreciate some of the comments being made by new Opry manager Pete Fisher concerning the direction he wanted to take the show. As classy as a performer that she is, she decided the time had come to move on, which she did without a fuss. At time she did say that she hoped the Opry would replace her with a younger female singer, such as Rhonda Vincent, which as we all know, did not happen.
I have printed the running order previously from July 21, 1973, the night Jeanne Pruett joined the Opry, so I will just print the artist line-up from that night:
1st show
6:30: Tex Ritter (host); 4 Guys
6:45: Tex Ritter (host); Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Hank Williams, Jr; Sandi Burnette
7:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Jean Shepard; Stringbean; Crook Brothers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Jeanne Pruett
8:30: Billy Grammer (host); Arlene Harden; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Tex Ritter (host); Bob Luman; Ernie Ashworth; Sandi Burnette
10:00: Osborne Brothers (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jeanne Pruett; Stringbean
10:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton
10:45: Billy Grammer (host); Jerry Clower; Crook Brothers; Billy Grammer, Jr.
11:00: 4 Guys (host); Arlene Harden; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Louie Roberts; Don Winters
We talk many times about the "thin" line-ups that the Opry has these days, but I think all of us have to be honest that this July 1973 was not one of the Opry's strongest. To be fair, this line-up was fairly typical of the Opry during that time period. It was summer time and the Opry's final year at the Ryman, which was miserable in the summer.
Moving on to another Opry line-up, how about July 25, 1964. This one was significantly stronger than the one that I posted above. Nothing really special about that night except that it was a pretty solid show. 1 show that night from the Ryman
7:30: Billy Grammer (host); Bill Carlisle; Ernie Ashworth; Cousin Jody; Sue York; Stan Hitchcock
8:00: Flatt & Scruggs (host); Bill Anderson; Carter Family; Ray Pillow; Dottie West; Crook Brothers
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Del Wood; Sonny James; Norma Jean
9:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Leroy Van Dyke; Jim & Jesse; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Jack Greene
9:30: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Bobby Lord; The Browns; Billy Walker; Homesteaders
10:00: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host); Ernie Ashworth; Cousin Jody
10:15: Flatt & Scruggs (host); Bill Anderson; Bill Carlisle
10:30: Billy Grammer (host); Carter Family; Sonny James
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Crook Brothers; Jack Greene
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Louvin; Leroy Van Dyke; Del Wood; Roy Drusky; Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Bobby Lord; The Browns; Jim & Jesse
On a final note, over the last week the reports on Randy Travis seem much better. He is reportedly awake and alert, responding to words from his family and doctors. He still is not out of the woods and has a very long recovery and rehabiliation period ahead of him. Nobody can predict when or if we will see Randy performing again, but the progress seems good. Nice to hear.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend.
The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry members Larry Gatlin and Mel Tillis, along with guest artists Angie Johnson and our old friend Tracy Lawrence. Back in the 1990s when Tracy was having hit after hit, there was speculation that Tracy would perhaps become an Opry member. He may have even been asked, or at least an inquiry made. I remember at the time that Tracy had said that he was too busy at that point in his career, but perhaps later on. Well, Tracy is now 45 and his hit-making days are pretty much behind him and I don't think an Opry invitation is coming any time soon. But it is nice to see him back at the Opry.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature another guest appearance by "Nashville" star Jonathan Jackson, who actually is a pretty good singer. With the Opry's Steve Buchanan as the Executive Producer of the show, and the continue involvement of the Opry, we probably will continue to see more of the "Nashville" stars on the Opry and the Opry being featured on the television show.
In addition to Jonathan Jackson, Darryl Worley and Andy Gibson will be making guest appearances. Also on the schedule for Saturday night is Jesse McReynolds, who has missed the past couple of weeks. Saturday night will also feature this week's Opry newcomers, Sons of Fathers. This is a Texas based duo.
Friday July 19:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Tracy Lawrence
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Angie Johnson
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); Mel Tillis
Saturday July 20:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Andy Gibson; Mike Snider
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Sons Of Fathers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host): Jesse McReynolds; Jonathan Jackson; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); Connie Smith; Darryl Worley
This week's look back in Grand Ole Opry history will feature a couple of line-ups. The 1st is from July 21, 1973 (40 years ago), when Jeanne Pruett joined the Grand Ole Opry. Jeanne was the last singing member of the Opry to join the show before it moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House (Jerry Clower did join after her but he is a comedian). Jeanne originally came to Nashville from Alabama and was a songwriter with Marty Robbins Enterprises. She then started singing and RCA signed her to a recording contract. Jeanne mentions that she was actually an Opry member for about a year before her formal induction, which was delayed because Dolly Parton wanted to be the one to introduce Jeanne as the Opry's newest member. Of course "Satin Sheets" was her career song. Jeanne is now 76 and is retired from the music business. Her last Opry appearances were in 2001. There are some who say that she saw the writing on the wall at the Opry as her appearances went from 64 in 2000 down to 23 in her final year, and she didn't appreciate some of the comments being made by new Opry manager Pete Fisher concerning the direction he wanted to take the show. As classy as a performer that she is, she decided the time had come to move on, which she did without a fuss. At time she did say that she hoped the Opry would replace her with a younger female singer, such as Rhonda Vincent, which as we all know, did not happen.
I have printed the running order previously from July 21, 1973, the night Jeanne Pruett joined the Opry, so I will just print the artist line-up from that night:
1st show
6:30: Tex Ritter (host); 4 Guys
6:45: Tex Ritter (host); Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Hank Williams, Jr; Sandi Burnette
7:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Jean Shepard; Stringbean; Crook Brothers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Jeanne Pruett
8:30: Billy Grammer (host); Arlene Harden; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Tex Ritter (host); Bob Luman; Ernie Ashworth; Sandi Burnette
10:00: Osborne Brothers (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jeanne Pruett; Stringbean
10:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton
10:45: Billy Grammer (host); Jerry Clower; Crook Brothers; Billy Grammer, Jr.
11:00: 4 Guys (host); Arlene Harden; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Louie Roberts; Don Winters
We talk many times about the "thin" line-ups that the Opry has these days, but I think all of us have to be honest that this July 1973 was not one of the Opry's strongest. To be fair, this line-up was fairly typical of the Opry during that time period. It was summer time and the Opry's final year at the Ryman, which was miserable in the summer.
Moving on to another Opry line-up, how about July 25, 1964. This one was significantly stronger than the one that I posted above. Nothing really special about that night except that it was a pretty solid show. 1 show that night from the Ryman
7:30: Billy Grammer (host); Bill Carlisle; Ernie Ashworth; Cousin Jody; Sue York; Stan Hitchcock
8:00: Flatt & Scruggs (host); Bill Anderson; Carter Family; Ray Pillow; Dottie West; Crook Brothers
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Del Wood; Sonny James; Norma Jean
9:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Leroy Van Dyke; Jim & Jesse; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Jack Greene
9:30: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Bobby Lord; The Browns; Billy Walker; Homesteaders
10:00: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host); Ernie Ashworth; Cousin Jody
10:15: Flatt & Scruggs (host); Bill Anderson; Bill Carlisle
10:30: Billy Grammer (host); Carter Family; Sonny James
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Crook Brothers; Jack Greene
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Louvin; Leroy Van Dyke; Del Wood; Roy Drusky; Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Bobby Lord; The Browns; Jim & Jesse
On a final note, over the last week the reports on Randy Travis seem much better. He is reportedly awake and alert, responding to words from his family and doctors. He still is not out of the woods and has a very long recovery and rehabiliation period ahead of him. Nobody can predict when or if we will see Randy performing again, but the progress seems good. Nice to hear.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Grand Ole Opry 7/12 & 7/13
Looking at the Grand Ole Opry line-ups for the past several weeks, I was beginning to think that Pete Fisher was on vacation. Last week we had legends Stu Phillips, George Hamilton IV and Jan Howard, along with Ray Pillow and Jean Shepard, who each hosted segments. This weekend we have the legendary Stonewall Jackson on the Opry schedule. As a country music fan, I am happy to see that.
As far as the line-ups for this weekend, with Carrie Underwood out on the road, we are back to 1 show each on Friday and Saturday night. The Friday Night Opry will feature the Oak Ridge Boys. I kept looking to see if the Oaks would maybe cancel as they are stepping in on Saturday night to perform a show in Canada that Randy Travis was originally scheduled to do, but so far so good. Also on Friday will be guest artists Charlie Worsham, Jim Lauderdale, Kalisa Ewing Lee Greenwood and Sarah Jarosz, all of whom have performed on the Opry before. Friday will also feature this week's Opry newcomer, Drake White. He is your basic opening act who released his first music earlier this year.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature "Nashville" star Jonathan Jackson, along with Kip Moore, The Willis Clan, Elizabeth Cook and Restless Heart. Jesse McReynolds was on the original schedule posted but has been taken off on the latest version. Jesse was scheduled for both shows last Friday night but became ill shortly before his performance and was taken to the hospital and checked out. Last I heard, everything was ok for this legend who celebrated his 84th birthday earlier this week.
Friday July 12:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Worsham; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Kalisa Ewing; Lee Greenwood
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Drake White; Sarah Jarosz
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Stonewall Jackson; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday July 13:
7:00: John Conlee (host); Kelleigh Bannen; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Kip Moore; Jonathan Jackson
Intermission
8:15: George Hamilton IV (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Willis Clan; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Elizabeth Cook; Restless Heart
Looking back in Opry history this week, I wanted to mention former Opry members The Glaser Brothers. It was on July 14, 1973 that the Glasers made their final appearance as Grand Ole Opry members. In fact, it was their final appearance anywhere as a trio until they reunited on January 20, 1990 for an Opry performance at Hank Snow's 40th Opry anniversary celebration. The 1990 show was their final appearance together.
Officially known in Opry circles as Tompall & The Glasers, they joined the Opry in 1959. The brothers Tompall, Chuck, and Jim first came to the attention of Marty Robbins who really enjoyed their ranch and cowboy songs. They were soon singing with Marty and for a time were in back-up group. Eventually they struck out on their own. While they never had a #1 single or album, they did record 10 albums that resulted in 9 charted singles. Most of their hits were in the period of the mid-1960s and early 1970s. Personal differences led to their break-up. For a time, Tompall was a part of the "outlaw" movement with Willie and Waylon. Jim Glaser is still active today and has made several Opry appearances over the past several years.
Here is the Opry line-up from Saturday July 14, 1973, the final appearance as Opry members of the Glaser Brothers. (and yes, that is correct-George Jones was on the Opry and hosting segments that night and joined by Tammy Wynette).
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Charlie Walker: Soft Lips & Hard Liquor
Joe Edwards: Old Joe Clark
6:45: Rudy's
Justin Tubb (host): Lodi
Del Wood: Standing Room Only
Judy Bryte: Wabash Cannonball
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
7:00: Rudy's
George Jones (host): White Lightning
Tammy Wynette: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria
Harold Morrison: Dueling Banjo
Patsy Sledd: Nothing Can Stop My Loving You
George Jones: A Picture of Me Without You
Tammy Wynette: Stand By Your Man
4 Guys: Sing Me Back Home/I'll Fly Away/Jambalaya/She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain/You Are My Sunshine/Shutters & Boards
George Jones & Tammy Wynette: We Go Together
7:30: Standard Candy
Tex Ritter (host): Fall Away
Stringbean: Cripple Creek
Willis Brothers: Cimmerron
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Tex Ritter: Green Grow the Lilacs
Stringbean: Battle of New Orleans
Willis Brothers: I Still Do
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Charlie Louvin: Funny Man
Jimmy Newman: Back Pocket Money
Penny DeHaven: This Time
Lester Flatt: The Girl I Love Don't Pay Me No Mind
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: Did You Ever
Jimmy Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Marty Stuart: Roanoke
8:30: Stephens
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Mary Lou Turner: I Am Woman
Johnny Carver: Tie A Yellow Ribbon
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Anderson: The Corner of My Life
Mary Lou Turner: Take Me Home Country Roads
Johnny Carver: You Really Haven't Changed
Bill Anderson: All the Lonely Women In The World
2nd show
9:30: Tex Ritter (host): Boll Weevil
Willis Brothers: There Goes the Farm
Charlie Walker: The Lord Knows I'm Drinking
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Tex Ritter: The Streets of Laredo
Judy Bryte: The Wreck of the Old 97
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Tex Ritter: High Noon
10:00: Fender
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me On Sundays
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink on Me/Rusty Old Halo
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: American Trilogy
10:15: Union 76
George Jones (host): She Thinks I Still Care
Tammy Wynette: Kids Say the Darndest Things
Harold Morrison: Dueling Banjos
Patsy Sledd: Pass Me By
Tammy Wynette&George Jones&Harold Morrison&Patsy Sledd: Let's All Go Down to the River
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Country Boy
Stringbean: Pretty Polly
Del Wood: Gloryland March
Lester Flatt & Marty Stuart: The Bluebird's Singing for Me
10:45: Beech-Nut
Bill Anderson (host): If You Can Live With It
Mary Lou Turner: The Shelter of Your Eyes
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Bill Anderson: The Corner of My Life
11:00: Coca-Cola
Jimmy Newman (host): Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues
4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of A Dove
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Jimmy Newman: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Jimmy Newman: Jole Blon
11:30: Elm Hill
Glaser Brothers (host): Release Me/She Turned And Walked Away Slowly/Many Tears Ago/You Win Again/Bouquet of Roses/There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Johnny Carver: Tie A Yellow Ribbon
Penny DeHaven: Down in the Boondocks
Glaser Brothers: Rings
Johnny Carver: You Really Haven't Changed
Penny DeHaven: The Love of Your Life
Glaser Brothers: Faded Love/Rose of Old Pawnee/Just A Girl I Used To Know/I'll Hold You In My Heart/More & More
While the Glaser Brothers only had 1 segment that night, the hosted it and pretty much sang all of their hits and the songs that were associated with them. And it was nice of the Opry to let them close out the show on their final night. Also, many of the Opry's big names were missing: Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Marty Robbins and Porter Wagoner stand out. But even without them, it was a solid line-up.
It was sad to see the Glaser Brothers end their careers so early as in my opinion, they had some of the best harmonies around and really did a great job on the ballads. While I know it won't happen, I would love to see them get together one last time.
Not to forget the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, July 16:
7:00: Chris Janson; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Thomas Rhett; Jim Ed Brown
Intermission
8:15: Jimmy Fortune; Cassadee Pope
8:45: Darius Rucker
Finally, after coming off 4 sold-out Opry performances last weekend, Carrie Underwood has been scheduled for the Opry on Saturday August 10. The Opry has added a 2nd show that night. Also on the schedule so far is the newest Country Music Hall of Fame member, Bobby Bare. I am also hearing of maybe more special surprises for that night.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend.
As far as the line-ups for this weekend, with Carrie Underwood out on the road, we are back to 1 show each on Friday and Saturday night. The Friday Night Opry will feature the Oak Ridge Boys. I kept looking to see if the Oaks would maybe cancel as they are stepping in on Saturday night to perform a show in Canada that Randy Travis was originally scheduled to do, but so far so good. Also on Friday will be guest artists Charlie Worsham, Jim Lauderdale, Kalisa Ewing Lee Greenwood and Sarah Jarosz, all of whom have performed on the Opry before. Friday will also feature this week's Opry newcomer, Drake White. He is your basic opening act who released his first music earlier this year.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature "Nashville" star Jonathan Jackson, along with Kip Moore, The Willis Clan, Elizabeth Cook and Restless Heart. Jesse McReynolds was on the original schedule posted but has been taken off on the latest version. Jesse was scheduled for both shows last Friday night but became ill shortly before his performance and was taken to the hospital and checked out. Last I heard, everything was ok for this legend who celebrated his 84th birthday earlier this week.
Friday July 12:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Worsham; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Kalisa Ewing; Lee Greenwood
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Drake White; Sarah Jarosz
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Stonewall Jackson; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday July 13:
7:00: John Conlee (host); Kelleigh Bannen; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Kip Moore; Jonathan Jackson
Intermission
8:15: George Hamilton IV (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Willis Clan; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Elizabeth Cook; Restless Heart
Looking back in Opry history this week, I wanted to mention former Opry members The Glaser Brothers. It was on July 14, 1973 that the Glasers made their final appearance as Grand Ole Opry members. In fact, it was their final appearance anywhere as a trio until they reunited on January 20, 1990 for an Opry performance at Hank Snow's 40th Opry anniversary celebration. The 1990 show was their final appearance together.
Officially known in Opry circles as Tompall & The Glasers, they joined the Opry in 1959. The brothers Tompall, Chuck, and Jim first came to the attention of Marty Robbins who really enjoyed their ranch and cowboy songs. They were soon singing with Marty and for a time were in back-up group. Eventually they struck out on their own. While they never had a #1 single or album, they did record 10 albums that resulted in 9 charted singles. Most of their hits were in the period of the mid-1960s and early 1970s. Personal differences led to their break-up. For a time, Tompall was a part of the "outlaw" movement with Willie and Waylon. Jim Glaser is still active today and has made several Opry appearances over the past several years.
Here is the Opry line-up from Saturday July 14, 1973, the final appearance as Opry members of the Glaser Brothers. (and yes, that is correct-George Jones was on the Opry and hosting segments that night and joined by Tammy Wynette).
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Charlie Walker: Soft Lips & Hard Liquor
Joe Edwards: Old Joe Clark
6:45: Rudy's
Justin Tubb (host): Lodi
Del Wood: Standing Room Only
Judy Bryte: Wabash Cannonball
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
7:00: Rudy's
George Jones (host): White Lightning
Tammy Wynette: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria
Harold Morrison: Dueling Banjo
Patsy Sledd: Nothing Can Stop My Loving You
George Jones: A Picture of Me Without You
Tammy Wynette: Stand By Your Man
4 Guys: Sing Me Back Home/I'll Fly Away/Jambalaya/She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain/You Are My Sunshine/Shutters & Boards
George Jones & Tammy Wynette: We Go Together
7:30: Standard Candy
Tex Ritter (host): Fall Away
Stringbean: Cripple Creek
Willis Brothers: Cimmerron
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Tex Ritter: Green Grow the Lilacs
Stringbean: Battle of New Orleans
Willis Brothers: I Still Do
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Charlie Louvin: Funny Man
Jimmy Newman: Back Pocket Money
Penny DeHaven: This Time
Lester Flatt: The Girl I Love Don't Pay Me No Mind
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: Did You Ever
Jimmy Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Marty Stuart: Roanoke
8:30: Stephens
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Mary Lou Turner: I Am Woman
Johnny Carver: Tie A Yellow Ribbon
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Anderson: The Corner of My Life
Mary Lou Turner: Take Me Home Country Roads
Johnny Carver: You Really Haven't Changed
Bill Anderson: All the Lonely Women In The World
2nd show
9:30: Tex Ritter (host): Boll Weevil
Willis Brothers: There Goes the Farm
Charlie Walker: The Lord Knows I'm Drinking
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Tex Ritter: The Streets of Laredo
Judy Bryte: The Wreck of the Old 97
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Tex Ritter: High Noon
10:00: Fender
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me On Sundays
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink on Me/Rusty Old Halo
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: American Trilogy
10:15: Union 76
George Jones (host): She Thinks I Still Care
Tammy Wynette: Kids Say the Darndest Things
Harold Morrison: Dueling Banjos
Patsy Sledd: Pass Me By
Tammy Wynette&George Jones&Harold Morrison&Patsy Sledd: Let's All Go Down to the River
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Country Boy
Stringbean: Pretty Polly
Del Wood: Gloryland March
Lester Flatt & Marty Stuart: The Bluebird's Singing for Me
10:45: Beech-Nut
Bill Anderson (host): If You Can Live With It
Mary Lou Turner: The Shelter of Your Eyes
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Bill Anderson: The Corner of My Life
11:00: Coca-Cola
Jimmy Newman (host): Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues
4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of A Dove
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Jimmy Newman: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Jimmy Newman: Jole Blon
11:30: Elm Hill
Glaser Brothers (host): Release Me/She Turned And Walked Away Slowly/Many Tears Ago/You Win Again/Bouquet of Roses/There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Johnny Carver: Tie A Yellow Ribbon
Penny DeHaven: Down in the Boondocks
Glaser Brothers: Rings
Johnny Carver: You Really Haven't Changed
Penny DeHaven: The Love of Your Life
Glaser Brothers: Faded Love/Rose of Old Pawnee/Just A Girl I Used To Know/I'll Hold You In My Heart/More & More
While the Glaser Brothers only had 1 segment that night, the hosted it and pretty much sang all of their hits and the songs that were associated with them. And it was nice of the Opry to let them close out the show on their final night. Also, many of the Opry's big names were missing: Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Marty Robbins and Porter Wagoner stand out. But even without them, it was a solid line-up.
It was sad to see the Glaser Brothers end their careers so early as in my opinion, they had some of the best harmonies around and really did a great job on the ballads. While I know it won't happen, I would love to see them get together one last time.
Not to forget the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, July 16:
7:00: Chris Janson; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Thomas Rhett; Jim Ed Brown
Intermission
8:15: Jimmy Fortune; Cassadee Pope
8:45: Darius Rucker
Finally, after coming off 4 sold-out Opry performances last weekend, Carrie Underwood has been scheduled for the Opry on Saturday August 10. The Opry has added a 2nd show that night. Also on the schedule so far is the newest Country Music Hall of Fame member, Bobby Bare. I am also hearing of maybe more special surprises for that night.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend.
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