Welcome to February, or as we say here in Ohio, the dead of winter!! As usual, here are the important or historical events that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or in regards to members of the Opry, during the month of February:
February 9, 1914: Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb was born in Crisp, Texas. Ernest came to the Opry in the early 1940s and immediately became of the Opry's most important and influential members. He was known fro helping new artists and that list includes Hank Snow, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Jack Greene and Cal Smith, among many others. In 1947 he opened the first Ernest Tubb Record Shop and shortly after started the Midnight Jamboree. Ernest was one of the first members to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and he was a proud supporter of country music and those who came from the state of Texas. Ernest remained an Opry member until his death in 1984, after a period of declining health.
February 18, 1914: Early Grand Ole Opry member Frank Kuczynski was born. Perhaps that name does not ring a bell but his stage name does: Pee Wee King. Pee Wee, along with his Golden West Cowboys, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1937 and was one of the first professional entertainers to join the cast. Many people forget that Pee Wee came before Roy Acuff. He left the Opry after World War II and moved to Louisville, Kentucky to work in television and eventually his show was broadcast in Chicago, Cincinnati and Cleveland, in addition to Louisville. He always said he would have stayed in Nashville and at the Opry if WSM had branched into television, which they would do later. While leaving the Opry as a member, Pee Wee was a frequent guest. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1974, Pee Wee passed away in 2000 at the age of 86.
February 1, 1917: Mary Jane Dezurik was born in Royalton, Minnesota. Along with her sister Carolyn, these former Opry members were known as the Cackle Sisters. They came to the Opry in the 1940s, staying for only a short period of time, eventually moving to Cincinnati. Mary Jane passed away in 1981.
February 25, 1927: Ralph Stanley was born in the Clinch Mountains of Virginia. This bluegrass legend joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 2000. Ralph passed away in 2016.
February 1, 1928: Harry Stone joined WSM radio as a staff announcer. Harry would eventually become the general manager of WSM and become responsible for the Opry. While in that position, he would often clash with Opry founder George D. Hay over the direction of the show. While Judge Hay wanted to keep the rural flavor of the show, Harry saw the value of the show to the National Life & Insurance Company, the owners of WSM, and felt that the show should move into a more professional direction. It was during Harry's time that the Opry moved away from local, amateur talent and began bringing in professional and paid entertainers. Harry remained with WSM until 1950, when he left to pursue new opportunities.
February 17, 1931: Uncle Jimmy Thompson, the first artist to perform on what is now called the Grand Ole Opry passed away. Uncle Jimmy was a part of the Barn Dance until 1927.
February 25, 1932: Faron Young was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1951 Faron joined the Louisiana Hayride, where he stayed until 1954. He then moved to Nashville, becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Faron remained an Opry member until he was fired in December 1964 for failing to meet the required number of annual appearances. While he never rejoined the show, Faron would come back and make occasional guest appearances.
February 2, 1935: The Missouri Mountaineers made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Alcyone Bate described the Mountaineers, who were founded by Jack Shook, as a "sort of Sons of Pioneers group." They stayed with the Opry until 1939.
February 5, 1938: Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans made their second appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. His first appearance had taken place several months earlier and was not considered a success. This time around, Roy performed "The Great Speckled Bird" and WSM was overwhelmed with an avalanche of mail. As a result, Roy was asked to become an Opry regular, or member, and it became official on February 19. Along with Pee Wee King, Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe and Eddy Arnold, Roy would help lead the shift of the Opry's focus to professional singers rather than the instrumental groups that had been the main focus of the show. The week after he joined, Harry Stone suggested to Roy that the name of his group be changed and since Roy was from the Knoxville area, he went with Smoky Mountain Boys. Except for a brief year in the 1940s, Roy would remain with the Opry until his death in November 1992.
February 18, 1939: The Andrew Brothers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. They were brought to the Opry specifically to replace the Delmore Brothers, who had left the show. While I have never heard The Andrew Brothers, I have heard that they were fine harmony singers.
February 13, 1943: Ernest Tubb became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.
February 21, 1948: Jimmy Dickens made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He performed "John Henry" and "I Dreamed of An Old Love Affair." Several months later, Jimmy would become a member of the Opry.
February 2, 1949: Future Grand Ole Opry member Hank Snow met current Opry member Ernest Tubb for the first time. The meeting led to the efforts by Ernest to get Hank on the Opry, which finally took place in January 1950.
February 26, 1949: Rose Maddox and her brothers made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Rose and the group would later become Opry members, however their stay at the Opry was very short. There are several different versions as to why they left.
February 18, 1950: One of the Opry's early competitors, the WSB Barn Dance, based in Atlanta, Georgia, took place for the final time. The show, which started on November 16, 1940, was a very popular regional show.
February 23, 1952: Del Wood made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She came to the Opry after "Down Yonder" her famous instrumental single, sold over a million copies the previous year. When Del accepted the invitation to perform on the Opry, she turned down a two week engagement to play with Bob Crosby and his orchestra. Del became an Opry member the following year and would remain an Opry member until her death in October 1989.
February 7, 1953: Marty Robbins made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed two numbers, "Ain't You Ashamed" and "Good Night Cincinnati, Good Mornin' Tennessee." Marty's debut was a success and he would shortly after become an Opry member.
February 26, 1955: The Louvin Brothers, Charlie and Ira, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Some consider them the greatest brother duo in the history of country music. Ira passed away on June 20, 1965 from injuries in an automobile accident that also took the life of his wife and another couple. Charlie would remain a member of the Opry, and have a successful solo career, until his death in January 2011. (As a note, some publications list February 10 as the date the Louvin Brothers joined the Opry).
February 19, 1957: Webb Pierce resigned as a member of the Opry. Webb's time at the Opry was fairly short as he quickly realized the amount of money he was losing by having to be in Nashville every Saturday night.
February 23, 1957: Porter Wagoner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It is safe to say that Porter was one of the Opry's most popular and colorful members and in his later years, was considered the face of the Opry. Porter had made his first guest appearance in 1956 and would later say, "The first night I appeared on the Opry, I came off the stage and went back to the dressing room area, and I met Roy Acuff in the hallway there. And he came up to me and he said, 'Porter, I was awful glad that you're becoming a part of the Grand Ole Opry. We need more of your kind of people here,'" The night of his first appearance, he was introduced by Carl Smith, who would later became close friends with Porter. Porter remained an Opry member until his death in October 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as an Opry member.
February 27, 1959: Billy Grammer joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Famous for "Gotta Travel On" Billy was also a fine guitar player and maker. Billy was a member for 52 years, passing away in August 2011.
February 6, 1960: George Hamilton IV became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. George, who passed away in September 2014, was an Opry member for 54 years.
February 23, 1963: Patsy Cline made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than two weeks later, she would die in a plane crash that also took the lives of Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins, along with Randy Hughes.
February 11, 1967: The Four Guys made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. As the story has been told many times, they were brought back for several encores. Even the the group never had a hit record, they were such a success with their stage presence that they were asked to become Opry members, were they remained until fired in April 2000.
February 22, 1969: Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs made their final appearance together on the Opry. The duo had joined the Opry in 1955, however creative differences caused the two to go their separate ways. While they broke up several months later, each remained as individual members of the Opry.
February 6, 1971: The Grand Ole Opry began performing two Saturday night Opry shows on a regular basis. Prior to that date, the Saturday show ran 7:30 to midnight, although on special occasions the Opry would break it up into two shows, depending on artist and audience demand.
February 11, 1972: Grand Ole Gospel Time, hosted by the Reverend Jimmie Snow, made its debut after the Friday Night Opry. The show would continue for the next 23 years and feature many of the Opry's members, along with other guests including Johnny and June Carter Cash and Dennis Weaver. While the hour long show took place after the Friday Night Opry, it was not aired on WSM until Sunday morning.
February 23, 1974: Former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey returned to the show for the first time since he was fired by Opry founder George D. Hay in 1941. DeFord appeared at the personal invitation of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl, who for years had been trying to convince DeFord to return to the Opry. Before passing away, DeFord would make several more appearances, most often on the Opry's annual reunion shows.
February 8, 1975: After an absence of 18 years, Jimmy Dickens rejoined the cast as a member of the Opry. He was introduced that night by Hank Snow, who noted how much Jimmy had been missed at the Opry and how good it was to have him back. As you might expect, Jimmy sang "Family Reunion." Unlike the first time he joined in 1948, this time Jimmy stayed, until passing away in January 2015.
February 6, 1975: Ronnie Milsap became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Ronnie's 41st year as an Opry member.
February 7, 1981: John Conlee became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be John's 36th year as an Opry member. As an Opry member, John has been very popular and well received. After he first appeared on the Opry, he was quoted as saying, "I made sure to stand on the circle from the stage of the old Ryman. That circle has been so important to me because so many big stars had stood on that wooden flooring."
February 21, 1981: Just two weeks after John Conlee joined the cast, Boxcar Willie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Boxcar became a country music star late in life, thanks to his hobo character and his late night television commercials promoting his train album. Boxcar had first appeared on the Opry in June 1980 after being discovered in England by Wesley Rose, who brought Boxcar to the attention of Roy Acuff. Lecil Travis Martin passed away in April 1999.
February 20, 1988: The Grand Ole Opry honored Roy Acuff for 50 years of Opry membership. TNN devoted an entire hour long segment to Roy that featured Loretta Lynn and Minnie Pearl. On an additional note, on the same night that Roy Acuff celebrated his 50th Opry anniversary, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton reunited at the Opry for the first time in 14 years.
February 24, 1991: Webb Pierce passed away in Nashville. Webb came to Nashville in 1952 from the Louisiana Hayride and quickly made his first Grand Ole Opry appearance on the Prince Albert portion of the show. When he joined the cast in 1953 he was considered the replacement for Hank Williams. In the 1950s, Webb was one of the biggest acts in country music and because of his heavy touring, he only stayed at the Opry for a couple of years. Webb was also a very successful business man and was involved with one of the first publishing companies in Nashville. In 2001, a decade after his death, Webb was finally elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
February 29, 1992: Travis Tritt became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 25th year as an Opry member, Although Travis has not appeared on the Opry since 2007, he is currently scheduled to appear later this month in celebration of his 25th year as an Opry member.
February 18, 1995: WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer Charlie Douglas announced the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Charlie retired from WSM after coming to the station in 1984.
February 21, 1998: The Grand Ole Opry honored long-time member Grandpa Jones, who passed away earlier in the week from complications of a stroke suffered after an Opry performance. At the show that night, Bill Carlisle, Vince Gill, Ramona Jones and Grandpa's children led the cast in singing "Fallen Leaves," one of the great songs that Grandpa wrote.
February 17, 2001: Brad Paisley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Brad's 16th year as an Opry member. On the night that Brad joined the cast, he wore the bright yellow jacket that Buck Owens wore on the cover of the 1966 "Live at Carnegie Hall" album.
February 24, 2001: While performing on the first show that evening, Grand Ole Opry member Wilma Lee Cooper suffered a stroke which would end her performing career. Wilma Lee did return to the Opry several times after the stroke, once to be honored for 50 years as a member of the Opry, and then when the Grand Ole Opry House reopened after the flood in September 2010.
February 16, 2002: Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams, Jr. performed together on the Opry in tribute to Waylon Jennings, who had recently passed away. Porter Wagoner was the host of the segment and the four performers spent an hour on stage singing various Waylon songs and telling Waylon stories.
February 18, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck passed away following a long illness. Johnny joined the Opry in November 1997, at the urging of Johnny Russell. However, within a few years, declining health forced Johnny into retirement. At the time of his death. Johnny was in such poor financial shape that George Jones paid for a cemetery plot in which Johnny was buried.
February 4, 2005: Bluegrass group The Grascals made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming Opry members, they group continues to make guest appearances.
February 26, 2005: Opry member Charlie Louvin was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. He appeared on both Opry shows that night in addition to hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree.
February 16, 2008: Former Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Lord passed away in Florida at the age of 74. Bobby was a popular Opry member who joined the cast in the mid 1960s, leaving in the mid-1970s. At the time, he left Nashville and moved to Florida and got involved in real estate.
February 27, 2009: Opry member Billy Grammer was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. On the same night that Billy was recognized, Jimmy Dickens returned to the Opry after an absence of six weeks following brain surgery.
February 26, 2015: The Grand Ole Opry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
There you have it for this month.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Grand Ole Opry 1/27 & 1/28
The Grand Ole Opry has released the line-ups for the two shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Both shows have solid line-ups.
Opry members scheduled for both nights include John Conlee, Mike Snider and The Whites. That group will be joined on Friday night by Jeannie Seely, Terri Clark, Ricky Skaggs, Craig Morgan and Jesse McReynolds, while on Saturday night, the three will be joined by Connie Smith, Bobby Osborne and Riders In The Sky.
As to guest artists this weekend, Friday's list has Sarah Darling, Granger Smith, Ned LeDoux and Trent Harmon on it, while on Saturday night, the scheduled artists include Ray Scott, Ashley Campbell, John Schneider, Shenandoah, Lindsay Ell and Charles Esten.
Friday January 27
7:00: John Conlee (host); Sarah Darling; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Granger Smith; Terri Clark
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Ned LeDoux;
8:45: Craig Morgan (host); Jesse McReynolds; Trent Harmon
Saturday January 28
7:00: John Conlee (host); Ray Scott; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Ashley Campbell; John Schneider
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Shenandoah; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Lindsay Ell; Charles Esten
12 artists for each show, with 8 Opry members on Friday and 6 on Saturday.
For Ned LeDoux, this will be his Opry debut. Ned started out as the drummer for his famous father, Chris LeDoux. After his father passed away in 2005, Ned continued to tour with his father's band. Eventually, he began singing, concentrating on some of his dad's songs including "Rodeo Man." In July 2015, Ned came to Nashville with the intention of finishing some songs that is dad had started and in the process he connected with Mac McAnally. Mac became Ned's producer and has worked on the last two studio albums that Ned has released. For the past year, Ned has been touring and opening for Toby Keith, Chris Janson and Randy Houser.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of January 27 & 28, 2012:
Friday January 27
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Craig Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Casey James
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; Diamond Rio
Saturday January 28
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Love and Theft
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Ed Brown; Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; John Anderson; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Diamond Rio
Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 26 & 27, 2007:
Friday January 26
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Jimmy Wayne
8:30: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
9:00: Charley Pride (host); Danielle Peck; Ralph Stanley
9:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Darryl Worley
Saturday January 27
1st show
6:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Ralph Stanley
7:00: Dierks Bentley; Montgomery Gentry; Rodney Atkins; Josh Turner
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Jack Greene; Dale Watson
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Rodney Atkins
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Whites; Ralph Stanley
10:30: Charley Pride (host); George Hamilton IV; Dale Watson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Del McCoury Band; Dierks Bentley
Finally, looking back 50 years to Saturday January 28, 1967:
7:30: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host); Ride; Ride; Ride
Skeeter Davis: You Add Fuel to the Flame
George Hamilton IV: The Urge for Going
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Bill Anderson: Still
Jim Ed Brown: Regular on My Mind
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
Bill Anderson: Get While the Getting's Good
8:00: Martha White
Billy Walker (host): A Million & One
Charlie Louvin: Off & On
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Osborne Brothers: The Kind of Woman I Got
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Bill Walker: Bear With Me A Little Longer
Stringbean: Train 45
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Billy Walker: Cattle Call
8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Room in the Corner of the House
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That the Crow Told Me
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Jean Shepard: Heart, We Did All That We Could
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Grandpa Jones: Stop That Ticklin' Me
9:00: Pet Milk
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
Bill Monroe: The Pretty Fair Maiden
Billy Grammer: The Real Thing
Lonzo & Oscar: Funny Way of Living In This Crazy Mixed Up World
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Dottie West: What's Come Over My Baby
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Roy Acuff: Glory's Coming; It Won't Be Long
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Hula Love
Willis Brothers: Bob
Marion Worth: There Goes My Everything
Curly Fox: Casey Railroad Blues
Hank Snow: I've Cried A Mile
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Hank Snow: The Count Down
10:00: Schick
Bill Anderson (host): I Get the Fever
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Stringbean: Nine Pound Hammer
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
10:15: Pure
Jim Ed Brown (host): A Taste of Heaven
Bill Carlisle: Dr. R.D.
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
10:30: Buckley's
Jean Shepard (host): Many Happy Hangovers to You
Charlie Louvin: He Can Be Found
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Grandpa Jones: Old Rattler Left Us Years Ago
Jean Shepard: It's A Man
10:45: Kent
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
Osborne Brothers: The Kind of Woman I Got
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Bill Monroe: Panhandle Country
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Sam McGee: Blackberry Blossom
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
11:30: Lava
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Lonzo & Oscar: We're Gathering the Hang of it Now
Bob Luman: Memphis
Marion Worth: Touch My Heart
Billy Grammer: The Real Thing
Connie Smith: Walk Thru This World
Curly Fox: Lost John
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore
Billy Grammer: Under the Double Eagle
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone has a great weekend, and enjoy the Opry!!!!
Opry members scheduled for both nights include John Conlee, Mike Snider and The Whites. That group will be joined on Friday night by Jeannie Seely, Terri Clark, Ricky Skaggs, Craig Morgan and Jesse McReynolds, while on Saturday night, the three will be joined by Connie Smith, Bobby Osborne and Riders In The Sky.
As to guest artists this weekend, Friday's list has Sarah Darling, Granger Smith, Ned LeDoux and Trent Harmon on it, while on Saturday night, the scheduled artists include Ray Scott, Ashley Campbell, John Schneider, Shenandoah, Lindsay Ell and Charles Esten.
Friday January 27
7:00: John Conlee (host); Sarah Darling; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Granger Smith; Terri Clark
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Ned LeDoux;
8:45: Craig Morgan (host); Jesse McReynolds; Trent Harmon
Saturday January 28
7:00: John Conlee (host); Ray Scott; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Ashley Campbell; John Schneider
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Shenandoah; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Lindsay Ell; Charles Esten
12 artists for each show, with 8 Opry members on Friday and 6 on Saturday.
For Ned LeDoux, this will be his Opry debut. Ned started out as the drummer for his famous father, Chris LeDoux. After his father passed away in 2005, Ned continued to tour with his father's band. Eventually, he began singing, concentrating on some of his dad's songs including "Rodeo Man." In July 2015, Ned came to Nashville with the intention of finishing some songs that is dad had started and in the process he connected with Mac McAnally. Mac became Ned's producer and has worked on the last two studio albums that Ned has released. For the past year, Ned has been touring and opening for Toby Keith, Chris Janson and Randy Houser.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of January 27 & 28, 2012:
Friday January 27
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Craig Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Casey James
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; Diamond Rio
Saturday January 28
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Love and Theft
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Ed Brown; Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; John Anderson; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Diamond Rio
Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 26 & 27, 2007:
Friday January 26
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Jimmy Wayne
8:30: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
9:00: Charley Pride (host); Danielle Peck; Ralph Stanley
9:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Darryl Worley
Saturday January 27
1st show
6:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Ralph Stanley
7:00: Dierks Bentley; Montgomery Gentry; Rodney Atkins; Josh Turner
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Jack Greene; Dale Watson
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Rodney Atkins
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Whites; Ralph Stanley
10:30: Charley Pride (host); George Hamilton IV; Dale Watson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Del McCoury Band; Dierks Bentley
Finally, looking back 50 years to Saturday January 28, 1967:
7:30: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host); Ride; Ride; Ride
Skeeter Davis: You Add Fuel to the Flame
George Hamilton IV: The Urge for Going
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Bill Anderson: Still
Jim Ed Brown: Regular on My Mind
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
Bill Anderson: Get While the Getting's Good
8:00: Martha White
Billy Walker (host): A Million & One
Charlie Louvin: Off & On
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Osborne Brothers: The Kind of Woman I Got
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Bill Walker: Bear With Me A Little Longer
Stringbean: Train 45
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Billy Walker: Cattle Call
8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Room in the Corner of the House
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That the Crow Told Me
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Jean Shepard: Heart, We Did All That We Could
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Grandpa Jones: Stop That Ticklin' Me
9:00: Pet Milk
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
Bill Monroe: The Pretty Fair Maiden
Billy Grammer: The Real Thing
Lonzo & Oscar: Funny Way of Living In This Crazy Mixed Up World
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Dottie West: What's Come Over My Baby
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Roy Acuff: Glory's Coming; It Won't Be Long
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Hula Love
Willis Brothers: Bob
Marion Worth: There Goes My Everything
Curly Fox: Casey Railroad Blues
Hank Snow: I've Cried A Mile
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Hank Snow: The Count Down
10:00: Schick
Bill Anderson (host): I Get the Fever
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Stringbean: Nine Pound Hammer
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
10:15: Pure
Jim Ed Brown (host): A Taste of Heaven
Bill Carlisle: Dr. R.D.
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
10:30: Buckley's
Jean Shepard (host): Many Happy Hangovers to You
Charlie Louvin: He Can Be Found
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Grandpa Jones: Old Rattler Left Us Years Ago
Jean Shepard: It's A Man
10:45: Kent
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
Osborne Brothers: The Kind of Woman I Got
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Bill Monroe: Panhandle Country
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Sam McGee: Blackberry Blossom
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
11:30: Lava
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Lonzo & Oscar: We're Gathering the Hang of it Now
Bob Luman: Memphis
Marion Worth: Touch My Heart
Billy Grammer: The Real Thing
Connie Smith: Walk Thru This World
Curly Fox: Lost John
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore
Billy Grammer: Under the Double Eagle
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone has a great weekend, and enjoy the Opry!!!!
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Grand Ole Opry 1/20 & 1/21
On the same weekend that our country will inaugurate a new President, the Grand Ole Opry will welcome a new member as on Saturday night, Crystal Gayle officially joins the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
Brenda Gail Webb was born on January 9, 1951 in Paintsville, Kentucky. She is the younger sister of Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn and a distant cousin of Opry member Patty Loveless. While Loretta grew up in Kentucky, Brenda spent most of her childhood in Wabash, Indiana. As she was growing up, she would sing for visitors at her home, and inspired by Loretta, she learned to play the guitar and sing backup in her brothers' folk band. While still in high school, she began to tour with Loretta for a few weeks each summer. After graduating from Wabash High School in 1970, she signed with Decca Records, Loretta's label. Since Brenda Lee was already a singer on Decca, she was asked to change her name and it was Loretta that suggested Crystal, after seeing a sign for the Krystal hamburger restaurant. Brenda Gayle Webb thus became Crystal Gayle.
Crystal's debut single, "I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)", was released in 1970 and peaked at number 23 on the Billboard charts. Written by Loretta, many say it sounded like a Loretta Lynn record, which pleased Decca. Loretta wrote more songs for Crystal, however nothing charted until 1974's "Restless" which reached number 39. She then left Decca and signed with United Artists, where she teamed with producer Allen Reynolds, who offered her the creative freedom to develop her own style. In 1974, her first album "Crystal Gayle" was released and the first single, "Wrong Road Again" reached number 6 on the charts. The hits kept coming and in 1976 she had her first No. 1 record, "I'll Get Over You." During the course of her career, she released 24 studio albums and 68 singles, along with projects with other artists. In addition to "I'll Get Over You." her other No. 1 singles have included "You Never Miss a Real Good Thing," "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," Ready for the Times to Get Better," "Talking in Your Sleep," Why Have You Left the One You Left Me For," "It's Like We Never Said Goodbye," "If You Ever Change Your Mind," "Too Many Lovers," "Til I Gain Control Again," "Our Love Is on the Faultline," "Baby, What About You," "The Sound of Goodbye," Turning Away," "Cry," and her final No. 1 in 1986, "Straight to the Heart." Her last chart appearance was in 1990 with "Never Ending Song of Love." She also scored No. 1 duets with Gary Morris and Eddie Rabbit.
During the course of her career, Crystal has won numerous awards including Academy of Country Music Top New Female Vocalist in 1975 and Top Female Vocalist in 1976, 1977, 1979, and the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2016. In 1977 and 1978 she was the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year, and won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1978. In February 2008, she was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and in 2009 she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is just a matter of time before Crystal is elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, an honor that would be well deserved.
Crystal is currently working on a new album, her first in 13 years. She has been quoted as saying that album will contain covers of country music classics. On November 15, Carrie Underwood surprised Crystal during an appearance at the Opry, with an invitation to become the Opry's newest member.
Obviously, Crystal Gayle becoming the Opry's newest member will be the highlight this weekend, as it should be. But let's not forget, there are two pretty good Opry shows scheduled also. Joining Crystal and Loretta Lynn on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will be Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, John Conlee, Connie Smith, Riders In The Sky and Jesse McReynolds.
Conlee, Seely, Snider and The Riders are also scheduled for the Friday Night Opry where they will be joined by fellow Opry members Bobby Osborne, Josh Turner, Joe Diffie, Lorrie Morgan and Steve Wariner. That all adds up to 9 Opry members on Friday and 8 on Saturday.
As to guest artists this weekend, the list is fairly short. Friday night will have Maggie Rose, Jim Lauderdale and Jackie Lee, while Saturday's show has Ryan Kinder, Smithfield and Emily West scheduled.
Friday January 20
7:00: John Conlee (host); Maggie Rose; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Josh Turner
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Lauderdale; Joe Diffie
8:45: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jackie Lee; Steve Wariner
Saturday January 21
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Ryan Kinder; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Smithfield; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Emily West; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Loretta Lynn; Crystal Gayle
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of January 20 & 21, 2012. During the Saturday night show, Emmylou Harris was honored upon her 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. (her actual induction date was January 25, 1992).
Friday January 20
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith; Diamond Rio
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Kip Moore
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Terri Clark; Darryl Worley
8:45: John Conlee (host); Eric Paslay; Ricky Skaggs
Saturday January 21
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Craig Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Emmylou Harris (host); Shawn Colvin; Rodney Crowell; Vince Gill; Buddy Miller; Kimmie Rhodes; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 19 & 20, 2007:
Friday January 19
8:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Blaine Larsen
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Keith Anderson
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Chris Young
9:30: Vince Gill (host); George Hamilton IV; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Terri Clark
Saturday January 20
1st show
6:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Ashley Monroe
7:00: Trace Adkins (host); Blake Shelton; Keith Anderson; Tracy Lawrence
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Charlie Louvin; Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Blaine Larsen
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Keith Anderson
10:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Suzy Bogguss; Trace Adkins
10:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Blake Shelton; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ray Pillow (host); Blaine Larsen; Tracy Lawrence
It is worth noting that, while 22 years apart, Crystal Gayle will share the same Grand Ole Opry induction date as another Opry member, Brother Oswald.
When Bashful Brother Oswald stepped center stage wearing his bib overalls and trademark orange hat and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 21, 1995, he had already been playing the Opry almost every weekend for more than 50 years. Oswald, who had been one of the most respected dobro players in country music, had also been a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys for half a century. Now he was an official member in his own right. "I'm the happiest man alive. This is a wonderful honor for me," he said. Then, adding his howling trademark laugh, he joked, "You know, I've been auditioning for this part for 56 years!"
Born Beecher Ray Kirby, near Sevierville, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains, the son of an Appalachian musician, "Os"-as he's known to friends-learned guitar and banjo as a youngster. Later he played and passed the hat to supplement his sawmill income. As a young man he took a job in a car factory in Flint, Michigan, and began playing guitar and banjo in small clubs. Hawaiian music was popular at the time and Os bought his first steel guitar to fit in with the craze that was flooding the radio station where he played live music. He performed at the Chicago World's Fair and the following year moved to Knoxville and began playing dobro with local bands. He met Roy Acuff in Knoxville and joined the Smoky Mountain Boys at the Opry on January 8, 1939.
In addition to playing dobro, guitar and banjo, he also sang tenor with Roy, played jug in the jug band and did comedy. When Rachel Veach joined the group, Kirby became her "great big Bashful Brother Oswald," and they performed together, singing, playing, and doing comedy routines.
Roy once said, "I don't think anyone has the style, the touch and the control of a dobro instrument like Oswald. I don't think anyone has ever come close to him in his type of playing. He also plays the banjo in the old clawhammer or mountain style. Os is the best." Roy often showcased him as a featured artist and after Roy's death both Os and band member Charlie Collins performed regularly on the Opry.
Os played on most of Roy Acuff's recordings and sang on the classics "Precious Jewel" and "Wreck on the Highway." He also recorded his own albums including "Celebrating 25 years with Roy Acuff and Bashful Brother Oswald." In 1990 he was awarded the Heritage Award at Uncle Dave Macon Days in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and in 1994 he published his biography "That's The Truth If I've Ever Told It."
The night he joined the Opry all of the Opry members on stage sang "Wabash Cannonball" and Oswald played along just as he had done for 56 years. "I don't ever want to retire," he says. "I don't know what I'd retire on. Looks sure won't get it," he laughs. And how would Roy Acuff have felt about Oswald joining the Opry? "I guess he would appreciate it a whole lot," says Oswald. "I'm sure he would."
Oswald and Charlie Collins were popular entertainers at Opryland and after Roy Acuff passed away, they continued playing the Opry just about every weekend. At the time that he joined, Oswald was 83 years old, which made him the oldest person to have joined the Opry in the modern era of the show. And while not becoming a member himself, Charlie was with Oswald for each appearance. It has been said that several Opry members, particularly Porter Wagoner and Marty Stuart were instrumental in going to Opry management and asking that Oswald become a member, and when the rest of the Opry members were polled and asked, not one member disagreed.
Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday January 21, 1995, the night that Brother Oswald became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry, and a night that I was at the Opry and witnessed this great honor.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Chimes
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Bill Monroe (host): A Feast Here Tonight
George Riddle & Bill Carlisle, Jr: White Lightening
Bill Monroe: A Voice From on High
7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): I'm Little But I'm Loud
The Whites: He Took Your Place
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jeanne Pruett: Back to Back
Jim Ed Brown: Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone at Last
Jimmy Dickens: Take Me As I Am (Or Let Me Go)
7:30: Standard Candy
Marty Stuart (host): Don't Be Cruel
Porter Wagoner: Wabash Cannonball/The Precious Jewel/Fireball Mail/Night Train to Memphis/The Great Speckled Bird
Connie Smith: Sing, Sing, Sing
Brother Oswald: Hawaiian March/Mountain Dew/I'll Be All Smiles Tonight
Jimmy Dickens & Opry Cast: Wabash Cannonball
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jimmy C Newman: Allons A' Lafayette
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Moving On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Charlie Louvin: Nearer My God to Thee
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Anderson: The Touch of the Master's Hand
8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Silver Rails
4 Guys: Big River
Bill Walker: Adam's Side
Doug Stone: Love Grows Best in Little Houses
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Hank Snow: The Prisoner's Song
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General Stores
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of the Dogwood Tree
Osborne Brothers: I'll Be All Right Tomorrow
Stu Phillips: That's A Chance I'll Have to Take
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Porter Wagoner: Dim Lights; Thick Smoke
10:00: Goody's
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Roy Drusky: Always/One Day At A Time
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Bill Monroe (host): Stay Away From Me;You're Causing Me Trouble
Ray Pillow: too Many Memories
Bill Monroe: Tombstone Junction/Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord
10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Marty Stuart (host): Tempted
Boxcar Willie: Train Melody
Marty Stuart: Blue Train/Hillbilly Rock
10:45: Fairfield Communities
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Del Reeves: The Race is On
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Ragtime Annie
Jimmy Dickens: She Always Got What She Wanted
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Geisha Girl
Connie Smith: You & Your Sweet Love
Charlie Walker: Who Will Buy the Wine
Doug Stone: A Different Light/A Jukebox with a Country Song
Hank Snow: A Message From the Trade Winds
11:30: Cates Pickles
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
4 Guys: I Know; I Know
Jack Greene: Highway to the Sky
Johnny Russell: Baptism of Jesse Taylor
Bill Anderson: Deck of Cards
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and once again, congratulations to Crystal Gayle on becoming the Opry's newest member!!!!
Brenda Gail Webb was born on January 9, 1951 in Paintsville, Kentucky. She is the younger sister of Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn and a distant cousin of Opry member Patty Loveless. While Loretta grew up in Kentucky, Brenda spent most of her childhood in Wabash, Indiana. As she was growing up, she would sing for visitors at her home, and inspired by Loretta, she learned to play the guitar and sing backup in her brothers' folk band. While still in high school, she began to tour with Loretta for a few weeks each summer. After graduating from Wabash High School in 1970, she signed with Decca Records, Loretta's label. Since Brenda Lee was already a singer on Decca, she was asked to change her name and it was Loretta that suggested Crystal, after seeing a sign for the Krystal hamburger restaurant. Brenda Gayle Webb thus became Crystal Gayle.
Crystal's debut single, "I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)", was released in 1970 and peaked at number 23 on the Billboard charts. Written by Loretta, many say it sounded like a Loretta Lynn record, which pleased Decca. Loretta wrote more songs for Crystal, however nothing charted until 1974's "Restless" which reached number 39. She then left Decca and signed with United Artists, where she teamed with producer Allen Reynolds, who offered her the creative freedom to develop her own style. In 1974, her first album "Crystal Gayle" was released and the first single, "Wrong Road Again" reached number 6 on the charts. The hits kept coming and in 1976 she had her first No. 1 record, "I'll Get Over You." During the course of her career, she released 24 studio albums and 68 singles, along with projects with other artists. In addition to "I'll Get Over You." her other No. 1 singles have included "You Never Miss a Real Good Thing," "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," Ready for the Times to Get Better," "Talking in Your Sleep," Why Have You Left the One You Left Me For," "It's Like We Never Said Goodbye," "If You Ever Change Your Mind," "Too Many Lovers," "Til I Gain Control Again," "Our Love Is on the Faultline," "Baby, What About You," "The Sound of Goodbye," Turning Away," "Cry," and her final No. 1 in 1986, "Straight to the Heart." Her last chart appearance was in 1990 with "Never Ending Song of Love." She also scored No. 1 duets with Gary Morris and Eddie Rabbit.
During the course of her career, Crystal has won numerous awards including Academy of Country Music Top New Female Vocalist in 1975 and Top Female Vocalist in 1976, 1977, 1979, and the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2016. In 1977 and 1978 she was the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year, and won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1978. In February 2008, she was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and in 2009 she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is just a matter of time before Crystal is elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, an honor that would be well deserved.
Crystal is currently working on a new album, her first in 13 years. She has been quoted as saying that album will contain covers of country music classics. On November 15, Carrie Underwood surprised Crystal during an appearance at the Opry, with an invitation to become the Opry's newest member.
Obviously, Crystal Gayle becoming the Opry's newest member will be the highlight this weekend, as it should be. But let's not forget, there are two pretty good Opry shows scheduled also. Joining Crystal and Loretta Lynn on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will be Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, John Conlee, Connie Smith, Riders In The Sky and Jesse McReynolds.
Conlee, Seely, Snider and The Riders are also scheduled for the Friday Night Opry where they will be joined by fellow Opry members Bobby Osborne, Josh Turner, Joe Diffie, Lorrie Morgan and Steve Wariner. That all adds up to 9 Opry members on Friday and 8 on Saturday.
As to guest artists this weekend, the list is fairly short. Friday night will have Maggie Rose, Jim Lauderdale and Jackie Lee, while Saturday's show has Ryan Kinder, Smithfield and Emily West scheduled.
Friday January 20
7:00: John Conlee (host); Maggie Rose; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Josh Turner
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Lauderdale; Joe Diffie
8:45: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jackie Lee; Steve Wariner
Saturday January 21
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Ryan Kinder; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Smithfield; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Emily West; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Loretta Lynn; Crystal Gayle
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of January 20 & 21, 2012. During the Saturday night show, Emmylou Harris was honored upon her 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. (her actual induction date was January 25, 1992).
Friday January 20
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith; Diamond Rio
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Kip Moore
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Terri Clark; Darryl Worley
8:45: John Conlee (host); Eric Paslay; Ricky Skaggs
Saturday January 21
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Craig Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Emmylou Harris (host); Shawn Colvin; Rodney Crowell; Vince Gill; Buddy Miller; Kimmie Rhodes; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 19 & 20, 2007:
Friday January 19
8:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Blaine Larsen
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Keith Anderson
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Chris Young
9:30: Vince Gill (host); George Hamilton IV; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Terri Clark
Saturday January 20
1st show
6:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Ashley Monroe
7:00: Trace Adkins (host); Blake Shelton; Keith Anderson; Tracy Lawrence
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Charlie Louvin; Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Blaine Larsen
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Keith Anderson
10:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Suzy Bogguss; Trace Adkins
10:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Blake Shelton; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ray Pillow (host); Blaine Larsen; Tracy Lawrence
It is worth noting that, while 22 years apart, Crystal Gayle will share the same Grand Ole Opry induction date as another Opry member, Brother Oswald.
When Bashful Brother Oswald stepped center stage wearing his bib overalls and trademark orange hat and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 21, 1995, he had already been playing the Opry almost every weekend for more than 50 years. Oswald, who had been one of the most respected dobro players in country music, had also been a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys for half a century. Now he was an official member in his own right. "I'm the happiest man alive. This is a wonderful honor for me," he said. Then, adding his howling trademark laugh, he joked, "You know, I've been auditioning for this part for 56 years!"
Born Beecher Ray Kirby, near Sevierville, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains, the son of an Appalachian musician, "Os"-as he's known to friends-learned guitar and banjo as a youngster. Later he played and passed the hat to supplement his sawmill income. As a young man he took a job in a car factory in Flint, Michigan, and began playing guitar and banjo in small clubs. Hawaiian music was popular at the time and Os bought his first steel guitar to fit in with the craze that was flooding the radio station where he played live music. He performed at the Chicago World's Fair and the following year moved to Knoxville and began playing dobro with local bands. He met Roy Acuff in Knoxville and joined the Smoky Mountain Boys at the Opry on January 8, 1939.
In addition to playing dobro, guitar and banjo, he also sang tenor with Roy, played jug in the jug band and did comedy. When Rachel Veach joined the group, Kirby became her "great big Bashful Brother Oswald," and they performed together, singing, playing, and doing comedy routines.
Roy once said, "I don't think anyone has the style, the touch and the control of a dobro instrument like Oswald. I don't think anyone has ever come close to him in his type of playing. He also plays the banjo in the old clawhammer or mountain style. Os is the best." Roy often showcased him as a featured artist and after Roy's death both Os and band member Charlie Collins performed regularly on the Opry.
Os played on most of Roy Acuff's recordings and sang on the classics "Precious Jewel" and "Wreck on the Highway." He also recorded his own albums including "Celebrating 25 years with Roy Acuff and Bashful Brother Oswald." In 1990 he was awarded the Heritage Award at Uncle Dave Macon Days in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and in 1994 he published his biography "That's The Truth If I've Ever Told It."
The night he joined the Opry all of the Opry members on stage sang "Wabash Cannonball" and Oswald played along just as he had done for 56 years. "I don't ever want to retire," he says. "I don't know what I'd retire on. Looks sure won't get it," he laughs. And how would Roy Acuff have felt about Oswald joining the Opry? "I guess he would appreciate it a whole lot," says Oswald. "I'm sure he would."
Oswald and Charlie Collins were popular entertainers at Opryland and after Roy Acuff passed away, they continued playing the Opry just about every weekend. At the time that he joined, Oswald was 83 years old, which made him the oldest person to have joined the Opry in the modern era of the show. And while not becoming a member himself, Charlie was with Oswald for each appearance. It has been said that several Opry members, particularly Porter Wagoner and Marty Stuart were instrumental in going to Opry management and asking that Oswald become a member, and when the rest of the Opry members were polled and asked, not one member disagreed.
Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday January 21, 1995, the night that Brother Oswald became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry, and a night that I was at the Opry and witnessed this great honor.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Chimes
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Bill Monroe (host): A Feast Here Tonight
George Riddle & Bill Carlisle, Jr: White Lightening
Bill Monroe: A Voice From on High
7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): I'm Little But I'm Loud
The Whites: He Took Your Place
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jeanne Pruett: Back to Back
Jim Ed Brown: Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone at Last
Jimmy Dickens: Take Me As I Am (Or Let Me Go)
7:30: Standard Candy
Marty Stuart (host): Don't Be Cruel
Porter Wagoner: Wabash Cannonball/The Precious Jewel/Fireball Mail/Night Train to Memphis/The Great Speckled Bird
Connie Smith: Sing, Sing, Sing
Brother Oswald: Hawaiian March/Mountain Dew/I'll Be All Smiles Tonight
Jimmy Dickens & Opry Cast: Wabash Cannonball
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jimmy C Newman: Allons A' Lafayette
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Moving On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Charlie Louvin: Nearer My God to Thee
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Anderson: The Touch of the Master's Hand
8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Silver Rails
4 Guys: Big River
Bill Walker: Adam's Side
Doug Stone: Love Grows Best in Little Houses
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Hank Snow: The Prisoner's Song
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General Stores
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of the Dogwood Tree
Osborne Brothers: I'll Be All Right Tomorrow
Stu Phillips: That's A Chance I'll Have to Take
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Porter Wagoner: Dim Lights; Thick Smoke
10:00: Goody's
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Roy Drusky: Always/One Day At A Time
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Bill Monroe (host): Stay Away From Me;You're Causing Me Trouble
Ray Pillow: too Many Memories
Bill Monroe: Tombstone Junction/Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord
10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Marty Stuart (host): Tempted
Boxcar Willie: Train Melody
Marty Stuart: Blue Train/Hillbilly Rock
10:45: Fairfield Communities
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Del Reeves: The Race is On
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Ragtime Annie
Jimmy Dickens: She Always Got What She Wanted
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Geisha Girl
Connie Smith: You & Your Sweet Love
Charlie Walker: Who Will Buy the Wine
Doug Stone: A Different Light/A Jukebox with a Country Song
Hank Snow: A Message From the Trade Winds
11:30: Cates Pickles
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
4 Guys: I Know; I Know
Jack Greene: Highway to the Sky
Johnny Russell: Baptism of Jesse Taylor
Bill Anderson: Deck of Cards
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and once again, congratulations to Crystal Gayle on becoming the Opry's newest member!!!!
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Grand Ole Opry 2016 Year in Review
2016 is officially in the books and it is time for my annual year in review. As always, it was an interesting and eventful year.
In 2016, there were a total of 205 Opry shows. That represents an increase of 15 shows from the previous year. The breakdown is as follows, with the changes from 2015:
Friday Night Opry: 56 (+2)
Saturday Grand Ole Opry: 70 (+9)
Tuesday Night Opry: 49 (-1
Wednesday Night Opry: 11 (+3)
Thursday Opry Country Classics: 16 (+2)
Saturday Matinee: 1 (0)
Tuesday Matinee: 2 (+1)
There were 63 Grand Ole Opry members at the beginning of the year. Of those 63, 2 passed away during the year: Ralph Stanley; and Jean Shepard. That left the Opry with 61 members to conclude the year. While no new members were added in 2016, invitations were given to Crystal Gayle and Dailey & Vincent, who will become official members in 2017.
Of the Opry's 61 members who completed the year, 48 made at least one appearance. Among those were Keith Urban, who did not make any appearance the year before. While 48 Opry members appeared on the Opry, 260 guest artists performed. To break it down further, when you add up the total number of appearances by Opry members and guests, it comes to 2003, with Opry members making up 1035 of those, or just over half.
There were several highlights this past year, 2 of which included the membership invitations to Crystal Gayle and Dailey & Vincent. Among the career highlights, Alan Jackson and Vince Gill celebrated their 25th anniversary as members of the Opry; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers their 40th; Ray Pillow his 50th; Bill Anderson his 55th; and Stonewall Jackson his 60th. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood returned to the Opry stage in an unannounced appearance and there were increased appearances by a number of other Opry members.
Ryman Hospitalities, the owners of the Grand Ole Opry, spent the year announcing plans to invest heavily in the Nashville downtown area. They seem committed to further building their brand, along with that of the Opry. In relation to the brand building, the company announced plans to build an Opry theme venue in New York City. And with "Nashville" returning on CMT, expect more cross branding between the show and the Opry.
So how did the members do this past year as to appearances? Here is the list, starting with the Top 10 and the number of appearances increased or decreased from 2015:
1) Mike Snider-121 (+33)
2) Connie Smith-97 (+9)
3) Jeannie Seely-96 (+12)
4) John Conlee-81 (+26)
5) Bill Anderson-77 (-5)
6) The Whites-72 (+9)
7) Riders In The Sky-67 (-3)
8) Bobby Osborne-55 (+1)
9) Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers-53 (-23)
10) Jesse McReynolds-44 (+3)
There were no changes in the list from a year ago, but it is interesting to see the huge increase in appearances by Mike Snider and John Conlee. And while Larry, Steve and Rudy are down from a year ago, the number of appearances is still significant.
While it is not officially written down, Pete Fisher has been quoted as saying that he would like commitments from new Opry members to appear 10 times per year. So outside of the Top 10, who made the cut in 2016? Let's take a look:
Ricky Skaggs-31 (-4)
Vince Gill-23 (-9)
Del McCoury-22 (-7)
Lorrie Morgan-14 (-2)
Montgomery Gentry-11 (+8)
Carrie Underwood-11 (+1)
Pam Tillis-11 (+3)
Diamond Rio-10 (-3)
Adding it all up, 18 of the Opry's 61 members made the cut. That is down 4 from last year. (It should be noted that those members who were added to the cast prior to Pete Fisher becoming general manager in 1999 have not been held to those standards set).
So what about the rest?
Charlie Daniels; Craig Morgan; Old Crow Medicine Show; Marty Stuart-9
Little Big Town; Ray Pillow; Rascal Flatts-8
Trace Adkins; Darius Rucker; Josh Turner; Steve Wariner-7
Oak Ridge Boys-6
Roy Clark; Terri Clark; Brad Paisley-5
Joe Diffie-4
Dierks Bentley; Alison Krauss; Loretta Lynn-3
Patty Loveless; Martina McBride; Ronnie Milsap; Charley Pride; Keith Urban-2
That accounts for 24 more, bringing the total to 42. As bad as it might sound, I really have no issue with those who at least made 5 or more appearances. While nothing to be proud of, at least they made the effort to come out.
Then there are those who just came out one time: Garth Brooks; Alan Jackson; Hal Ketchum and Trisha Yearwood.
And to finish it off, here are the "actively performing artists" who are Opry members but made zero Opry appearances in 2016:
Clint Black
Emmylou Harris
Reba McEntire
Dolly Parton
Blake Shelton
Travis Tritt
For a couple of those on that list, it has been years since they have appeared on the Opry. In the case of Travis Tritt, he hasn't appeared since Porter Wagoner passed away in 2007. However, Travis is on the current schedule to perform on the Opry at the end of February while Clint Black is scheduled for a show in April.
Finally, there are those who are retired or had health issues and did not appear in 2016: That list includes Tom T. Hall, Jeanne Pruett, Barbara Mandrell and Ricky Van Shelton. You can also add Jan Howard and Stu Phillips, neither of whom appeared in 2016 and have left indications that they do not currently plan on returning. Mel Tillis was ill and medically unable to appear, while Stonewall Jackson did make one appearance for his 60th Opry anniversary. The last person I will name is Randy Travis, who while unable to perform, did come to the Opry twice and was introduced on stage.
Now that I have covered the Opry's members, what about those who made guest appearances? Well, in 2016 the leader was "Nashville" star Charles Esten, who came by the Opry 24 times. If he was an Opry member, that would have been the 12th highest. As to how followed him, the list of those who made at least 10 guest appearances is as follow:
Jimmy Wayne; Carly Pearce-21
Mark Wills; Chris Janson-17
William Michael Morgan; Exile-16
Jackie Lee-15
T. Graham Brown-14
JT Hodges; Flatt Lonesome-13
Mo Pitney-12
Darryl Worley; Michael Ray; Craig Wayne Boyd; Ray Scott; Scotty McCreery; Lindsay Ell; Mandy Barnett; Restless Heart-11
Lee Greenwood; Jim Lauderdale; Holly Williams; Smithfield; Love and Theft-10
When you add it all up, 18 Opry members made at least 10 appearances, compared to 25 non-members. It would seem that there are a few non-members who support the Opry more than a majority of Opry members. And when you look at some of the names on the list, such as Jimmy Wayne, Mark Wills, Exile, Chris Janson, Darryl Worley, Holly Williams, and Mandy Barnett, this is not a one year deal, as these artists have been appearing on the Opry for a number of years. Finally, in case anyone is wondering, the two new members-to-be of the Opry, Crystal Gayle and Dailey & Vincent appeared 6 and 9 times respectively.
In all, 2016 was pretty similar to the past couple of years at the Opry. The year saw the passing of several veteran Opry members and a continued shift to younger guest artists. The pattern of reduced appearances for several of the veteran acts continued. And while I do not have specific numbers, the reports I have seen show that it was another very good year for Ryman Hospitalities and for attendance at the Opry, as the majority of the shows were sold out.
Only time will tell what 2017 will bring. Obviously the year will get off to a strong start with Crystal Gayle becoming an Opry member in January, followed by Dailey & Vincent in March. Jeannie Seely and Stu Phillips will each be celebrating their 50th anniversary as Opry members later in the year, while Loretta Lynn is set for number 55.
The biggest change will be in who is going to be running the Opry with the recent resignation of Pete Fisher. It will be interesting to see how the process plays out. However, no matter who is in charge, I believe that the Opry will continue on its current path as the show continues to move toward the century mark.
Regardless, I continue to be a fan of the Opry and have great expectations that 2017 will be another good year for the "show that made country music famous."
As I conclude, my thanks again to all who read and comment on the blog and to those who have taken the time to email questions and other personal thoughts to me. I do appreciate each and every one of you. Finally, a special mention to Christina Abt, who was kind enough to have included me in her series "64 and More." It was a joy and I have heard from many who have watched it, along with the other subjects that were interviewed. My thanks again.
(*As a disclaimer, the recorded number of appearances is based on the tracking that I do of the shows. If there is an error, such as a missed appearance, my apologies).
Ryman Hospitalities, the owners of the Grand Ole Opry, spent the year announcing plans to invest heavily in the Nashville downtown area. They seem committed to further building their brand, along with that of the Opry. In relation to the brand building, the company announced plans to build an Opry theme venue in New York City. And with "Nashville" returning on CMT, expect more cross branding between the show and the Opry.
So how did the members do this past year as to appearances? Here is the list, starting with the Top 10 and the number of appearances increased or decreased from 2015:
1) Mike Snider-121 (+33)
2) Connie Smith-97 (+9)
3) Jeannie Seely-96 (+12)
4) John Conlee-81 (+26)
5) Bill Anderson-77 (-5)
6) The Whites-72 (+9)
7) Riders In The Sky-67 (-3)
8) Bobby Osborne-55 (+1)
9) Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers-53 (-23)
10) Jesse McReynolds-44 (+3)
There were no changes in the list from a year ago, but it is interesting to see the huge increase in appearances by Mike Snider and John Conlee. And while Larry, Steve and Rudy are down from a year ago, the number of appearances is still significant.
While it is not officially written down, Pete Fisher has been quoted as saying that he would like commitments from new Opry members to appear 10 times per year. So outside of the Top 10, who made the cut in 2016? Let's take a look:
Ricky Skaggs-31 (-4)
Vince Gill-23 (-9)
Del McCoury-22 (-7)
Lorrie Morgan-14 (-2)
Montgomery Gentry-11 (+8)
Carrie Underwood-11 (+1)
Pam Tillis-11 (+3)
Diamond Rio-10 (-3)
Adding it all up, 18 of the Opry's 61 members made the cut. That is down 4 from last year. (It should be noted that those members who were added to the cast prior to Pete Fisher becoming general manager in 1999 have not been held to those standards set).
So what about the rest?
Charlie Daniels; Craig Morgan; Old Crow Medicine Show; Marty Stuart-9
Little Big Town; Ray Pillow; Rascal Flatts-8
Trace Adkins; Darius Rucker; Josh Turner; Steve Wariner-7
Oak Ridge Boys-6
Roy Clark; Terri Clark; Brad Paisley-5
Joe Diffie-4
Dierks Bentley; Alison Krauss; Loretta Lynn-3
Patty Loveless; Martina McBride; Ronnie Milsap; Charley Pride; Keith Urban-2
That accounts for 24 more, bringing the total to 42. As bad as it might sound, I really have no issue with those who at least made 5 or more appearances. While nothing to be proud of, at least they made the effort to come out.
Then there are those who just came out one time: Garth Brooks; Alan Jackson; Hal Ketchum and Trisha Yearwood.
And to finish it off, here are the "actively performing artists" who are Opry members but made zero Opry appearances in 2016:
Clint Black
Emmylou Harris
Reba McEntire
Dolly Parton
Blake Shelton
Travis Tritt
For a couple of those on that list, it has been years since they have appeared on the Opry. In the case of Travis Tritt, he hasn't appeared since Porter Wagoner passed away in 2007. However, Travis is on the current schedule to perform on the Opry at the end of February while Clint Black is scheduled for a show in April.
Finally, there are those who are retired or had health issues and did not appear in 2016: That list includes Tom T. Hall, Jeanne Pruett, Barbara Mandrell and Ricky Van Shelton. You can also add Jan Howard and Stu Phillips, neither of whom appeared in 2016 and have left indications that they do not currently plan on returning. Mel Tillis was ill and medically unable to appear, while Stonewall Jackson did make one appearance for his 60th Opry anniversary. The last person I will name is Randy Travis, who while unable to perform, did come to the Opry twice and was introduced on stage.
Now that I have covered the Opry's members, what about those who made guest appearances? Well, in 2016 the leader was "Nashville" star Charles Esten, who came by the Opry 24 times. If he was an Opry member, that would have been the 12th highest. As to how followed him, the list of those who made at least 10 guest appearances is as follow:
Jimmy Wayne; Carly Pearce-21
Mark Wills; Chris Janson-17
William Michael Morgan; Exile-16
Jackie Lee-15
T. Graham Brown-14
JT Hodges; Flatt Lonesome-13
Mo Pitney-12
Darryl Worley; Michael Ray; Craig Wayne Boyd; Ray Scott; Scotty McCreery; Lindsay Ell; Mandy Barnett; Restless Heart-11
Lee Greenwood; Jim Lauderdale; Holly Williams; Smithfield; Love and Theft-10
When you add it all up, 18 Opry members made at least 10 appearances, compared to 25 non-members. It would seem that there are a few non-members who support the Opry more than a majority of Opry members. And when you look at some of the names on the list, such as Jimmy Wayne, Mark Wills, Exile, Chris Janson, Darryl Worley, Holly Williams, and Mandy Barnett, this is not a one year deal, as these artists have been appearing on the Opry for a number of years. Finally, in case anyone is wondering, the two new members-to-be of the Opry, Crystal Gayle and Dailey & Vincent appeared 6 and 9 times respectively.
In all, 2016 was pretty similar to the past couple of years at the Opry. The year saw the passing of several veteran Opry members and a continued shift to younger guest artists. The pattern of reduced appearances for several of the veteran acts continued. And while I do not have specific numbers, the reports I have seen show that it was another very good year for Ryman Hospitalities and for attendance at the Opry, as the majority of the shows were sold out.
Only time will tell what 2017 will bring. Obviously the year will get off to a strong start with Crystal Gayle becoming an Opry member in January, followed by Dailey & Vincent in March. Jeannie Seely and Stu Phillips will each be celebrating their 50th anniversary as Opry members later in the year, while Loretta Lynn is set for number 55.
The biggest change will be in who is going to be running the Opry with the recent resignation of Pete Fisher. It will be interesting to see how the process plays out. However, no matter who is in charge, I believe that the Opry will continue on its current path as the show continues to move toward the century mark.
Regardless, I continue to be a fan of the Opry and have great expectations that 2017 will be another good year for the "show that made country music famous."
As I conclude, my thanks again to all who read and comment on the blog and to those who have taken the time to email questions and other personal thoughts to me. I do appreciate each and every one of you. Finally, a special mention to Christina Abt, who was kind enough to have included me in her series "64 and More." It was a joy and I have heard from many who have watched it, along with the other subjects that were interviewed. My thanks again.
(*As a disclaimer, the recorded number of appearances is based on the tracking that I do of the shows. If there is an error, such as a missed appearance, my apologies).
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Grand Ole Opry 1/13 & 1/14
So who thought 2017 was going to be uneventful? If you were thinking that way regarding the Grand Ole Opry, you were wrong as right out of the gate Pete Fisher announced his resignation to become the CEO of the Academy of Country Music. While many have different opinions regarding his decision to leave, I do wish him well and much success in his new position. As to the Opry, time will tell as Colin Reed and Steve Buchanan work through the process of hiring his replacement. It will be interesting to see if they stay within the company, or if they follow the process when Pete Fisher was hired and look outside. There has been no indication as to how long the process will last but I have to believe that they knew of Pete's intention to leave a while ago and the search process is well underway.
While the search for a new general manager for the Grand Ole Opry continues, there are two Opry shows this weekend. Opry members scheduled for both shows this weekend (the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry) include The Whites, Mike Snider, Jeannie Seely and John Conlee. And those are your hosts for the segments on both shows. They will be joined by Jesse McReynolds on Friday night and Bobby Osborne on Saturday.
As to guest artists this weekend, those scheduled on Friday night include Luke Combs, Sylvia, Mark Willis, Darryl Worley, The Isaacs and Easton Corbin. Mark Wills returns on Saturday night, to be joined by Michael Ray, Amanda Shires, the O'Connor Band with Mark O'Connor, Tucker Beathard and the great Lee Greenwood.
The interesting name on that list is someone who has not been on the Opry in quite a while and that is Sylvia.
Sylvia Jane Hutton had a number of successful hits in the 1980s. She enjoyed her biggest hit in 1982 as "Nobody" went to No. 1 on the country charts and crossed over to No. 15 on the pop charts. The song earned a gold record and she was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Her other hits included "Drifter," which went to No. 1 in 1981, "Fallin' in Love," "Tumbleweed," and "Snapshot." In addition to her Grammy nomination, Sylvia was also named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in 1982. By the late 1980s, her chart success was over. During her career, she has released 8 albums and has had 20 singles on the country charts, 2 of which went to No. 1. Her last single, "Cumberland Rose" was released in 2011 and failed to make the charts.
In the late 1980s, she made the decision to stop recording and touring and began to focus on songwriting. She also started her own record label, Red Pony Records. Over the past several decades, she has released a few albums, with her latest being "It's All in the Family," released in 2015. She has also served as a life coach, helping others in the music industry.
Friday January 13
7:00: The Whites (host); Luke Combs; Sylvia
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Darryl Worley
8:45: John Conlee (host); The Isaacs; Easton Corbin
Saturday January 14
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Michael Ray; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Amanda Shires; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); O'Connor Band w/Mark O'Connor; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Tucker Beathard; Lee Greenwood
That comes out to 11 acts for each show, with 5 Opry members each night.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of January 13 & 14, 2012:
Friday January 13
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Brent Eldredge
8:45: Vince Gill (host); The Whites; Ricky Skaggs
Saturday January 14
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; George Hamilton IV; The Black Lillies
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Katie Armiger; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Rodney Atkins
Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 12 & 13, 2007:
Friday January 12
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; Jeff Bates
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Steep Canyon Rangers
9:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Buddy Jewell; Del McCoury Band
9:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Restless Heart
Saturday January 13
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jamie O'Neal
7:00: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Mel Tillis
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Cherryholmes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jamie O'Neal
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mel Tillis
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Cherryholmes; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Del McCoury Band; Marty Stuart
For this week's special look back, it was on Saturday January 13, 1973 that Ernest Tubb was honored and celebrated 30 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Texas born Ernest Tubb was one of the most celebrated stars of Country Music. He was honored as one of the "All Time Greats" by the Country Music Association and the many performers who have been helped by Tubb applauded the tribute. Ernest was truly a Texas Troubadour. Born in the town of Crisp, in Ellis County, Texas, Ernest wanted to be a Western movie star. But when he heard his first recording of a Jimmie Rodgers tune, he knew he wanted to sing. His decision to follow Country Music was soon followed by an opportunity to use his deep baritone on radio when he was nineteen and auditioned for KONO Radio in San Antonio. He was able to call radio his full-time profession in 1941, when he moved to a program on KGKO Radio in Fort Worth. He joined the Opry in 1943.
Tubb's trip from the Texas Plains to the Hills of Tennessee followed the success of a song which he wrote entitled "I'm Walking the Floor Over You." The song, which soon became the theme-song for Ernest Tubb and his Texas Troubadours, has sold millions of records. He has also written over one hundred songs.
Always ready to lend a helping hand to the new-comer, Ernest has helped many country singers to a big career in the field. His famous "Midnight Jamboree" radio show, which is broadcast over WSM from the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville, has been the proving grounds for countless young hopefuls.
Ernest made his home in Nashville where he was held in the highest regard among his friends and associates. His hobbies included home movies and golf. He traveled about 90% of the time, with his versatile band known as "The Texas Troubadours," in a big comfortable bus. His fans number in the millions all over the world, and many of them have followed his long career closely.
As mentioned, Ernest Dale Tubb was born in Crisp, Texas in 1914. He was a trend setter as his 1941 hit, "Walking the Floor Over You" is considered the start of the honky-tonk era of country music. His other hits have included "Blue Christmas," a song most associated with Elvis Presley, but first recorded by Ernest in 1948. Over the course of his career, he recorded 37 studio albums, and released 92 singles, 6 of which reached No. 1 on the charts (and remember many of his early hits were released before there were charts). His first No. 1 was "Soldier's Last Letter" in 1944, followed by "It's Been So Long Darling," "Rainbow at Midnight," "Slippin' Around," and not to forget, "Blue Christmas," and "Goodnight Irene," which was a duet with Red Foley. What is interesting is that two of his most famous songs were released late in his career. "Thanks A Lot" came out in 1963 and reached No. 3 on the charts, while "Waltz Across Texas" barely made the Top 40 in 1965. In addition to those No. 1 hits, he had dozens of Top 10 singles, and recorded hits with a number of duet partners including Red Foley and Loretta Lynn.
Ernest joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1943 and was active on the Opry until health issues forced Ernest into retirement in 1982, before passing away in 1984. Ernest was very proud of his Opry membership and even though he was on the road over 300 dates per year, he always made sure to get in his Opry dates. In fact, according to numerous people, at the beginning of each year Ernest would let the Opry's management know what 26 Saturday nights he would be in Nashville for the Opry.
As mentioned, on January 13, 1973 Ernest was recognized for being an Opry member 30 years, Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from that night.
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): I Get the Fever
Charlie Louvin: Bottom of the Fifth
Jim & Jesse: Please Be My Love
Stoney Cooper: Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Bill Anderson: Always Remember
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: Did You Ever
Jim & Jesse: Just One Of A Kind
Carolee Cooper: Soul Song
Bill Anderson: Don't She Look Good
7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Walker (host): Soft Lips & Liquor
Bobby Bare: Miller's Cave
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Bobby Bare: Come Sundown
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Roy Acuff: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Ray Pillow: When A Man Loves A Woman
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Raining on the Mountain
Billy Grammer: Amazing Grace
8:30: Stephen's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: Hillbilly Song
Jimmy C Newman: Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues
George Morgan: Making Heartaches
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Lonzo & Oscar: Ole Slewfoot
9:00: Rudy's
Ernest Tubb (host): Baby, It's So Hard to Be Good
Jack Greene: Satisfaction
Jeannie Seely: A Farm in Pennsyltucky
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: At Least We Know An Ending When It Comes
Ernest Tubb: Walking the Floor Over You
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Willis Brothers: Lady Godiva
Del Reeves: Before Goodbye
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Glenn Barber: Yes, Ma'am, I Found Her In A Honky Tonk
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me
10:00: Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
Bobby Bare: I Hate Goodbyes
Charlie Walker: Soft Lips & Hard Liquor
Stu Phillips: Sensuous Woman
Bill Anderson: The Lord Knows I'm Drinking
10:15: Union 76
Charlie Louvin (host): w/Diane McCall: A Man Likes Things Like That
Stonewall Jackson: I'm Not Strong Enough to Build Another Dream
Billy Grammer: Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Stoney Cooper & Carolee: Mansion In the Sky
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Ray Pillow: Excuse Me
10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Pass Me By
George Morgan: She's Got to Be A Saint
Crook Brothers: Texas Quick Step
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Lonzo & Oscar: Take Me Home Country Roads
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Hank Snow: Mary Ann Regrets
11:30: Elm Hill
Del Reeves (host): Six Days on the Road/Truck Driving Man
Justin Tubb & Norma Gallant: Heaven 7-7203
Glenn Barber: Unexpected Goodbye
Marion Worth: Put Your Hand in the Hand
4 Guys: Down By the Lazy River
Del Reeves: Truck Driver's Paradise
A name that some may not recognize from that night is Glenn Barber. Martin Glenn Barber was born on February 2, 1935 in Hollis, Oklahoma. He was known as a country and rockabilly singer and recorded for Hickory Records in the 1970s. He released 3 albums and had 21 singles on the country charts from 1964 to 1980. "Unexpected Goodbye" was his highest charted record, reaching No. 23. Glenn passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee in 2008.
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!!
While the search for a new general manager for the Grand Ole Opry continues, there are two Opry shows this weekend. Opry members scheduled for both shows this weekend (the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry) include The Whites, Mike Snider, Jeannie Seely and John Conlee. And those are your hosts for the segments on both shows. They will be joined by Jesse McReynolds on Friday night and Bobby Osborne on Saturday.
As to guest artists this weekend, those scheduled on Friday night include Luke Combs, Sylvia, Mark Willis, Darryl Worley, The Isaacs and Easton Corbin. Mark Wills returns on Saturday night, to be joined by Michael Ray, Amanda Shires, the O'Connor Band with Mark O'Connor, Tucker Beathard and the great Lee Greenwood.
The interesting name on that list is someone who has not been on the Opry in quite a while and that is Sylvia.
Sylvia Jane Hutton had a number of successful hits in the 1980s. She enjoyed her biggest hit in 1982 as "Nobody" went to No. 1 on the country charts and crossed over to No. 15 on the pop charts. The song earned a gold record and she was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Her other hits included "Drifter," which went to No. 1 in 1981, "Fallin' in Love," "Tumbleweed," and "Snapshot." In addition to her Grammy nomination, Sylvia was also named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in 1982. By the late 1980s, her chart success was over. During her career, she has released 8 albums and has had 20 singles on the country charts, 2 of which went to No. 1. Her last single, "Cumberland Rose" was released in 2011 and failed to make the charts.
In the late 1980s, she made the decision to stop recording and touring and began to focus on songwriting. She also started her own record label, Red Pony Records. Over the past several decades, she has released a few albums, with her latest being "It's All in the Family," released in 2015. She has also served as a life coach, helping others in the music industry.
Friday January 13
7:00: The Whites (host); Luke Combs; Sylvia
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Darryl Worley
8:45: John Conlee (host); The Isaacs; Easton Corbin
Saturday January 14
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Michael Ray; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Amanda Shires; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); O'Connor Band w/Mark O'Connor; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Tucker Beathard; Lee Greenwood
That comes out to 11 acts for each show, with 5 Opry members each night.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of January 13 & 14, 2012:
Friday January 13
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Brent Eldredge
8:45: Vince Gill (host); The Whites; Ricky Skaggs
Saturday January 14
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; George Hamilton IV; The Black Lillies
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Katie Armiger; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Rodney Atkins
Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 12 & 13, 2007:
Friday January 12
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; Jeff Bates
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Steep Canyon Rangers
9:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Buddy Jewell; Del McCoury Band
9:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Restless Heart
Saturday January 13
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jamie O'Neal
7:00: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Mel Tillis
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Cherryholmes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jamie O'Neal
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mel Tillis
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Cherryholmes; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Del McCoury Band; Marty Stuart
For this week's special look back, it was on Saturday January 13, 1973 that Ernest Tubb was honored and celebrated 30 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Texas born Ernest Tubb was one of the most celebrated stars of Country Music. He was honored as one of the "All Time Greats" by the Country Music Association and the many performers who have been helped by Tubb applauded the tribute. Ernest was truly a Texas Troubadour. Born in the town of Crisp, in Ellis County, Texas, Ernest wanted to be a Western movie star. But when he heard his first recording of a Jimmie Rodgers tune, he knew he wanted to sing. His decision to follow Country Music was soon followed by an opportunity to use his deep baritone on radio when he was nineteen and auditioned for KONO Radio in San Antonio. He was able to call radio his full-time profession in 1941, when he moved to a program on KGKO Radio in Fort Worth. He joined the Opry in 1943.
Tubb's trip from the Texas Plains to the Hills of Tennessee followed the success of a song which he wrote entitled "I'm Walking the Floor Over You." The song, which soon became the theme-song for Ernest Tubb and his Texas Troubadours, has sold millions of records. He has also written over one hundred songs.
Always ready to lend a helping hand to the new-comer, Ernest has helped many country singers to a big career in the field. His famous "Midnight Jamboree" radio show, which is broadcast over WSM from the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville, has been the proving grounds for countless young hopefuls.
Ernest made his home in Nashville where he was held in the highest regard among his friends and associates. His hobbies included home movies and golf. He traveled about 90% of the time, with his versatile band known as "The Texas Troubadours," in a big comfortable bus. His fans number in the millions all over the world, and many of them have followed his long career closely.
As mentioned, Ernest Dale Tubb was born in Crisp, Texas in 1914. He was a trend setter as his 1941 hit, "Walking the Floor Over You" is considered the start of the honky-tonk era of country music. His other hits have included "Blue Christmas," a song most associated with Elvis Presley, but first recorded by Ernest in 1948. Over the course of his career, he recorded 37 studio albums, and released 92 singles, 6 of which reached No. 1 on the charts (and remember many of his early hits were released before there were charts). His first No. 1 was "Soldier's Last Letter" in 1944, followed by "It's Been So Long Darling," "Rainbow at Midnight," "Slippin' Around," and not to forget, "Blue Christmas," and "Goodnight Irene," which was a duet with Red Foley. What is interesting is that two of his most famous songs were released late in his career. "Thanks A Lot" came out in 1963 and reached No. 3 on the charts, while "Waltz Across Texas" barely made the Top 40 in 1965. In addition to those No. 1 hits, he had dozens of Top 10 singles, and recorded hits with a number of duet partners including Red Foley and Loretta Lynn.
Ernest joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1943 and was active on the Opry until health issues forced Ernest into retirement in 1982, before passing away in 1984. Ernest was very proud of his Opry membership and even though he was on the road over 300 dates per year, he always made sure to get in his Opry dates. In fact, according to numerous people, at the beginning of each year Ernest would let the Opry's management know what 26 Saturday nights he would be in Nashville for the Opry.
As mentioned, on January 13, 1973 Ernest was recognized for being an Opry member 30 years, Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from that night.
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): I Get the Fever
Charlie Louvin: Bottom of the Fifth
Jim & Jesse: Please Be My Love
Stoney Cooper: Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Bill Anderson: Always Remember
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: Did You Ever
Jim & Jesse: Just One Of A Kind
Carolee Cooper: Soul Song
Bill Anderson: Don't She Look Good
7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Walker (host): Soft Lips & Liquor
Bobby Bare: Miller's Cave
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Bobby Bare: Come Sundown
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Roy Acuff: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Ray Pillow: When A Man Loves A Woman
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Raining on the Mountain
Billy Grammer: Amazing Grace
8:30: Stephen's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: Hillbilly Song
Jimmy C Newman: Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues
George Morgan: Making Heartaches
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Lonzo & Oscar: Ole Slewfoot
9:00: Rudy's
Ernest Tubb (host): Baby, It's So Hard to Be Good
Jack Greene: Satisfaction
Jeannie Seely: A Farm in Pennsyltucky
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: At Least We Know An Ending When It Comes
Ernest Tubb: Walking the Floor Over You
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Willis Brothers: Lady Godiva
Del Reeves: Before Goodbye
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Glenn Barber: Yes, Ma'am, I Found Her In A Honky Tonk
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me
10:00: Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
Bobby Bare: I Hate Goodbyes
Charlie Walker: Soft Lips & Hard Liquor
Stu Phillips: Sensuous Woman
Bill Anderson: The Lord Knows I'm Drinking
10:15: Union 76
Charlie Louvin (host): w/Diane McCall: A Man Likes Things Like That
Stonewall Jackson: I'm Not Strong Enough to Build Another Dream
Billy Grammer: Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Stoney Cooper & Carolee: Mansion In the Sky
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Ray Pillow: Excuse Me
10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Pass Me By
George Morgan: She's Got to Be A Saint
Crook Brothers: Texas Quick Step
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Lonzo & Oscar: Take Me Home Country Roads
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Hank Snow: Mary Ann Regrets
11:30: Elm Hill
Del Reeves (host): Six Days on the Road/Truck Driving Man
Justin Tubb & Norma Gallant: Heaven 7-7203
Glenn Barber: Unexpected Goodbye
Marion Worth: Put Your Hand in the Hand
4 Guys: Down By the Lazy River
Del Reeves: Truck Driver's Paradise
A name that some may not recognize from that night is Glenn Barber. Martin Glenn Barber was born on February 2, 1935 in Hollis, Oklahoma. He was known as a country and rockabilly singer and recorded for Hickory Records in the 1970s. He released 3 albums and had 21 singles on the country charts from 1964 to 1980. "Unexpected Goodbye" was his highest charted record, reaching No. 23. Glenn passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee in 2008.
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!!
Monday, January 9, 2017
Huge Breaking News-Pete Fisher Leaving the Opry!!
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Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher has been named CEO by the Academy of Country Music. Fisher will lead the Los Angeles-based organization beginning Friday, January 6, 2017
Breaking News-Travis Tritt Scheduled to Appear on the Opry
This is truly breaking news!! Hot off the press!!! Travis Tritt is scheduled to appear on the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday February 28!! While that may not seem mind boggling it should be noted that this member of the Grand Ole Opry has not appeared on the Opry since 2007.
In this case, it will mark Travis's 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry, as he joined on February 29, 1992.
In all seriousness, it is nice to see Travis coming back to the Opry. I never heard any story as to why he no longer appeared but for what it is worth, he has not appeared on the Opry since the death of Porter Wagoner. Coincidence or something else?
I am sure all of us will welcome Travis back with open arms.
In this case, it will mark Travis's 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry, as he joined on February 29, 1992.
In all seriousness, it is nice to see Travis coming back to the Opry. I never heard any story as to why he no longer appeared but for what it is worth, he has not appeared on the Opry since the death of Porter Wagoner. Coincidence or something else?
I am sure all of us will welcome Travis back with open arms.
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