Grand Ole Opry 9/29 & 9/30

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the three shows this weekend, which includes a special Sunday Night Opry with Brad Paisley.

Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for Friday and Saturday night include Mike Snider, The Whites and Dailey & Vincent. Joining that group on Friday night will be Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky, while it will be the legendary Ray Pillow appearing on Saturday night. As we saw with Ray's last Opry appearance, he will not be hosting a segment and because of that, there will be only three on Saturday with Dailey & Vincent hosting the final hour.

Guest artists on Friday night include Chuck Wicks, Crowder, Mickey Guyton and Exile. The last two are Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy and Tracy Lawrence, who seems to be making a boatload of Opry appearances lately. And he has many more scheduled. Saturday night it will be Lee Greenwood as the featured attraction, along with Chris Hillman, Keith Anderson, The Swon Brothers, Post Monroe and "Nashville" star Charles Esten.

Friday September 29
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chuck Wicks; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Crowder; Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Mickey Guyton; Exile
8:45: Dailey & Vincent (host); Tracy Lawrence

Saturday September 30
7:00: The Whites (host); Keith Anderson; The Swon Brothers
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Post Monroe; Chris Hillman
Intermission
8:15: Dailey & Vincent (host); Charles Esten; Opry Square Dancers; Ray Pillow; Lee Greenwood

It is really nice to see Chris Hillman on the Opry Saturday night, where he will be promoting his new solo album. Chris, a former member of The Byrds and the Desert Rose Band, has been on the Opry previously and has always done a fine job. I have also had the pleasure of seeing Chris in concert, as a solo artist, touring with Herb Pedersen, and with the Desert Rose Band.

Now to the Sunday Night Opry, another one of the shows that the Opry seems to be scheduling based on availability of some of the bigger named artists. As mentioned, the show this Sunday features Brad Paisley

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Chase Bryant
7:30: The Sisterhood; Mickey Guyton; Tyler Farr
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Bare; Lauren Alaina
8:45: Brad Paisley

Any show with Bobby Bare is not a bad show.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of September 28 & 29, 2007:

Friday September 28
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; John Anderson
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Cross Canadian Ragweed; Connie Smith
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Del McCoury Band; Lori McKenna
9:30: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Chesnutt

Saturday September 29
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
7:00: Josh Turner; Lori McKenna; Joe Diffie; Roy Clark
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jack Greene; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Ashton Shepherd; Del McCoury Band

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Joe Diffie
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Jack Greene; Lori McKenna
10:30: Roy Clark (host); Jimmy C Newman; Josh Turner; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ashton Shepherd; Del McCoury Band

The Saturday night show was significant for two reasons. First, it was the final night that Porter Wagoner appeared on a Saturday Grand Ole Opry show. Porter, who had recently celebrated 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, was in a period of declining heath. He would make an appearance on the following week's Friday Night Opry, and then make a final Opry appearance on the Tuesday Night Opry, October 9. He would pass away one month later.

The other event that took place on Saturday night was Roy Clark asking Josh Turner during the televised segment, if he would like to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Josh, who had made his Opry debut on December 21, 2001, singing "Long Black Train" to a standing ovation, immediately accepted. His actual Opry induction would take place one month later.

And now, here is the line-up from 25 years ago, the weekend of October 2 & 3, 1992:

Friday October 2
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jim Ed Brown; Skeeter Davis; Del Reeves; The Whites
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C Newman; Jim & Jess; Jean Shepard; Bill Carlisle
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); The 4 Guys; Grandpa Jones
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Garth Brooks; Jack Greene
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Michelle Wright; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Jeanne Pruett; Garth Brooks
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson; Charlie Walker
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Grandpa Jones; Jean Shepard; David Houston; The Whites
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Michelle Wright; The 4 Guys; Jeannie Seely; Jimmy Dickens
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Bill Carlisle; Jim Ed Brown; Johnny Russell

Saturday October 3
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jim Ed Brown
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Jimmy C Newman; Del Reeves
7:30: Garth Brooks (host); Joe Diffie; Mike Snider
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Charlie Louvin; Jan Howard; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Wilma Lee Cooper; The 4 Guys; Jimmy Dickens

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); David Houston; Jeanne Pruett; Jimmy C Newman; Garth Brooks
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jeannie Seely
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stonewall Jackson; Bill Carlisle
10:45: Bill Anderson (host); Skeeter Davis; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy Dickens; The Whites; Charlie Walker; Del Reeves
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Louvin; The 4 Guys; Mike Snider

Finally, it was 61 years ago, Saturday September 29, 1956 that Rose Maddox became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Roselea Arbana Maddox was born on August 15, 1925 in Boaz, Alabama. At the age of seven, her family moved to California, due to part to the Great Depression. At the age of 11, Rose began performing with her brothers in amateur shows and while in her teens began performing on local radio. In 1947, after her brothers served in World War II, Rose first recorded with for Four Star Records. By the late 1940s, the group began to see some success and moved to Hollywood. They began touring and were appearing regularly on the Louisiana Hayride. They also made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, where Rose, who was known for her colorful performances, shocked the Opry audience by appearing with a bare midriff. After the Maddox Brothers group broke up in 1957, Rose initially performed with her brother Cal, and then started a solo career. She had 14 hits on the Billboard country singles charts between 1959 and 1964, including several duets with Buck Owens. In 1962, her biggest hit, "Sing a Little Song of Heartache," reached No. 3 on the country charts. She then switched and recorded bluegrass, recording "Rose Maddox Sings Bluegrass" for Capital Records. In 1965, her recording contract ended and she began to concentrate on tours, performing with her brothers Cal, Henry, and her son Donnie, along with bluegrass musician Vern Williams. Her final album, "The Moon Is Rising" was released in 1996.

Beginning in the late 1960s, Rose suffered several heart attacks, but she continued to perform and record. She also appeared in several movies and documentaries. In her later years, she lived in Ashland, Oregon. Rose passed away on April 15, 1998 from kidney failure at the age of 72.

Rose's time at the Opry was very, very short. Some have written that Roy Acuff did not approve of Rose, based on how she presented herself on the Opry and the style of music she played. While Roy might not have approved of Rose, it is also said that Roy bought Rose's Cadillac from her while she was in Nashville (not sure if that story is 100% true or not).

Regardless, here is the running order from Saturday September 29, 1956, the night Rose Maddox became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:

7:30: Federal Fertilizer
Jim Reeves (host): According To My Heart
Del Wood: Intermission At The Opry
Justin Tubb: Lucky Lucky Someone
Jim Reeves: Oklahoma Hills
Fiddle Tune: Arkansas Traveler

7:45: American Ace
Marty Robbins (host): Singing The Blues
Jean Shepard: You Are Calling Me Sweetheart
Benny Martin: Lover Of The Town
Marty Robbins: Who At My Door Is Standing
Fiddle Tune: Turkey In The Straw

8:00: Martha White
Ray Price (host): Crazy Arms
Flatt and Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Carter Sisters: Sweet Talking Man
Possum Hunters: Fire in the Mountain
Ray Price: You Done Me Wrong
Martha Carson: Let The Light Shine
George Morgan: Stay Away From Me Baby
Flatt and Scruggs: Give Mother My Crown
Ray Price: Release Me

8:30: Prince Albert
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Jordanaires: When I Move
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Sunny Side of the Mountain
Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer
Hank Snow: Farther Along
Moon Mullican: Blue Tears
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Hawkshaw Hawkins: If It Ain't On the News
Chet Atkins: Avalon
Hank Snow: Conscience, I'm Guilty
Fiddle Tune: Sally Goodin

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Jimmy Dickens (host): Big Sandy
Ferlin Huskey: Imitations
Goldie Hill: I'm Beginning To Feel Mistreated
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Jimmy Dickens: Cornbread and Buttermilk
Rose Maddox: False Hearted
Ferlin Huskey: That Big Old Moon
Fruit Jars: Cacklin Hen
Jimmy Dickens: I Never Thought It Would Happen To Me

9:30: Stephens
Carl Smith (host): You Are The One
Jim Reeves: If You Were Mine
Lew Childre: Southern Hospitality
Anita Carter: One Heart Ache at a Time
Carl Smith: If You Do Dear
Jean Shepard: It's Hard To Tell
Justin Tubb: Lucky Lucky Someone
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Jim Reeves: Highway to Nowhere
Carl Smith: Don't Tease Me

10:00: Wall-Rite
George Morgan (host): Rainbow in My Heart
Martha Carson: Satisfied
Moon Mullican: You Don't Have To Be a Baby To Cry
George Morgan: Talk A Look At Yourself
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

10:15: Delited
Marty Robbins (host): Call Me Up and I'll Come Calling On You
Benny Martin: Whippoor Will
Marty Robbins: Singing The Blues
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatam

10:30: Hester Battery
Jimmy Dickens (host): Blackeyed Joe
Bill Monroe: I Believed In You Darling
Goldie Hill: Sample My Kisses
Jimmy Dickens: It Scares Me Half To Death
Fiddle Tune: 8th of January

10:45: D-Con
Hank Snow (host): Would You Mind
Rose Maddox: (?)
Crook Brothers: Tom and Jerry
Hank Snow: Why Do You Punish Me
Fiddling Fish and Stick: Back Up and Push

11:00: Coca Cola
Carl Smith (host): Doggone It Baby, I'm In Love
Jim Reeves: My Lips Are Sealed
Jean Shepard: It's Hard To Tell The Married
Flatt and Scruggs: What's Good For You Should Be Alright For Me
Carl Smith: Before I Met You
Jordanaires: Shaking Bridges
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Rattle Snake Daddy
Gully Jumpers: Durang Horn Pipe
Jim Reeves: Waiting On Top of the World
Carl Smith: Go Boy Go

11:30: Jamison
Ray Price (host): Crazy Arms
Ferlin Huskey: Waiting
Justin Tubb: Yo Nearly Lose Your Mind
Sam and Kirk: Milk'em In the Morning
Ray Price: Release Me
Lew Childre: Hang Out The Front Door Key
Ferlin Huskey: Imitations
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Joe Clark
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Fiddle Tune: Leather Britches

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend, and get ready as next week is the Opry's 92nd birthday bash.

Tuesday Night Opry 9/26 & Wednesday Night Opry 9/27

Before getting into the mid-week shows, an update on Jesse McReynolds. As of Sunday evening, Jesse has been making slow, steady progress. He has been eating a little and sitting up, along with resting at night. The doctors have said it will be a long and slow recovery process. Considering Jesse's age, I can fully understand that. He is not completely out of the woods as of yet, so the family is still asking that everyone keep Jesse in their thoughts and prayers.

As to the Tuesday Night Opry, there will be two shows this week with Grand Ole Opry members Rascal Flatts the featured attraction. Other Opry members set for Tuesday night include Lorrie Morgan, Bill Anderson and Dailey & Vincent:

1st show
7:00: Bill Anderson; Carlene Carter
7:30: Marshall Tucker Band; Lorrie Morgan
8:00: Dailey & Vincent; William Michael Morgan
8:30: Rascal Flatts

2nd show
9:30: Rascal Flatts; Bill Anderson; Lorrie Morgan
10:30: Marshall Tucker Band; William Michael Morgan; Dailey & Vincent

Definitely a very strong and solid line-up.

Now for the Wednesday Night, again a solid show but certainly not with the star power of Wednesday night. Chris Janson, fresh off his Nashville concert on Saturday night, gets the entire last half hour to himself:

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Exile
7:30: Bobby Bones; T Graham Brown
Intermission
8:15: Ashley Campbell; LOCASH
8:45: Chris Janson.

Finally, Opry Country Classics takes place Thursday night at the Ryman Auditorium

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Bobby Bare
Also Appearing: Mandy Barnett; Craig Campbell; Gatlin Brothers; Jeannie Seely

Grand Ole Opry 9/22 & 9/23

First, a word regarding Jesse McReynolds. For those who do not know, earlier today Jesse was admitted to the hospital with stomach pain. He was rushed into surgery as it was determined that he had a ruptured aneurysm. Doctors at Sumner Hospital in Gallatin reported that his condition was serious. Last word I have, as I type this Wednesday afternoon is that Jesse is out of surgery and the family is cautiously optimistic. Our thoughts are with Jesse and his family.

As far as the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, Friday will be the big night as Reba McEntire will be performing on both shows and honored as it was 40 years ago, September 17, 1977 that Reba made her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

When Reba McEntire made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 1977, she almost didn't make it in the door after a guard at the Opry gate missed her name on that night's list of performers. Reba found a nearby phone and called her booking agent, who arranged for her to get past security. Her parents and older sister, Alice, drove 1,400 miles round trip from their Oklahoma home to see what turned out to be Reba's three-minute performance that night. Her act was cut from two songs to just one, "Invitation to the Blues," because of a surprise appearance from Dolly Parton. Despite those issues, that evening still turned out better than the first time Reba came to the Opry as a fan. She was seven years old and visiting the Opry as an audience member. She got sick during the show, ran outside and promptly threw up on the front steps.

Western singer Red Steagall discovered Reba at the National Finals Rodeo in 1974 singing the national anthem. She signed her first record deal the following year and charted her first single in 1976. Four years passed before Reba landed her first Top 10 hit with "(You Life Me) Up to Heaven." It took two years for Reba to get her first No. 1, "Can't Even Get the Blues." Since then, the hits have consistently kept coming for four decades. She is the only female artist to have scored No. 1 singles in each decade from the 1980s through the current one.

Reba, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998, has sold more than 55 million albums and earned two Grammy Awards. She is the most nominated female artist in the history of the Country Music Association Awards, which named her its Entertainer of the Year in 1986. She also has found success in film, television, books, fashion, and even on the Broadway stage. She is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Now, I think most of you know how I feel about Reba. She is a great singer, and a Hall of Fame member. She has had an outstanding career in country music and continues to be an inspiration to many female artists. But as an Opry member, her support of the show has been somewhat lacking.

The Opry lists her "official" induction date as November 21, 1985 and even at that point, the Opry appearances were few and far. Just going back to 2001, Reba has made only 3 Opry appearances in the past 16 years and one of those was the surprise appearance that she made to ask Little Big Town to become the Opry's newest members.

As to the rest of Friday night's line-up, there are only 7 acts scheduled on the 1st show and just 6 on the 2nd (The Whites only appearing on the early show). What is nice is that each one is an Opry member, or in the case of Bobby Bare, a former Opry member. As to Reba McEntire & "Friends," I am not sure who the friends are. I am thinking she might have a couple of special folks with her.

Friday September 22
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Mike Snider; Connie Smith; Bobby Bare
8:00: Vince Gill (host); Reba McEntire & Friends

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Bare; Mike Snider
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Reba McEntire

Interesting that they have only 2 segments. This is certainly not a case of not having anyone who could host, as The Whites, Mike Snider and Connie Smith are all on the schedule. They certainly could have filled it out if they so desired. But the line-up is solid. And yes, not matter the reason or what it took, it is good to have Reba McEntire back on the Opry. The show is better with her.

Now, as far as Saturday night is concerned, it is a more traditional show with 11 acts listed, 5 of which are Opry members. Opry members scheduled include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites, Connie Smith and Bobby Osborne. (Jesse was on the original schedule last night). Guest artists include Adam Craig, Tegan Marie, The Steel Woods, Chonda Pierce, Charlie Worsham, and Alex Williams, who I believe is making his Grand Ole Opry debut.

Saturday September 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Adam Craig; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Tegan Marie; The Steel Woods
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Alex Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Chonda Pierce; Charlie Worsham

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of September 21 & 22, 2007:

Friday September 21
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; Blaine Larsen
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sarah Johns
9:00: Charley Pride (host); Jimmy C Newman; Doyle Dykes
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jimmy Wayne

Saturday September 22
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Blaine Larsen
7:00: Mike Snider (host); David Ball; Sherrie Austin
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Mountain Heart
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Doyle Dykes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Jim Ed Brown; Sawyer Brown

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Blaine Larsen
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; David Ball; Sawyer Brown
10:30: Charley Pride (host); Jeannie Seely; Sherrie Austin; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mountain Heart; Doyle Dykes

Now from 25 years ago, the weekend of September 25 & 26, 1992:

Friday September 25
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Hank Locklin; Ray Pillow; Jeannie Seely
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; The Whites; Mel McDaniel
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; The 4 Guys; Charlie Walker
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jimmy Dickens; Jan Howard; Billy Walker
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Alan Jackson; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett; The Whites; Carlisles; Alan Jackson
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Wilma Lee Cooper; Jean Shepard
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Mel McDaniel; Skeeter Davis; Mike Snider
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Connie Smith; Justin Tubb; Jim Ed Brown
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Walker; Johnny Russell
12:05: Reverend Jimmie Snow

Saturday September 26
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard
7:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Skeeter Davis; The Whites; The 4 Guys; Billy  Walker
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeanne Pruett; Hank Locklin; Jim & Jesse; Jann Browne
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Carlisles; Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Roy Drusky; Laurie Lewis

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; The Whites; Jean Shepard
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Billy Walker
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jim & Jesse
10:30: The 4 Guys (host); Ray Pillow
10:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Laurie Lewis; Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Jeannie Seely; Hank Locklin; Johnny Russell

Note: Justin Tubb cancelled.

Finally, here is the running order from 28 years ago, Saturday September 23, 1989:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never
George Hamilton IV: Life's Railway to Heaven

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): Roly Poly
Jim & Jesse: Thanks for the Trip to Paradise
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back to Tulsa

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Wake Up, Jacob
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Jean Shepard: Slowly
Billy Grammer: I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair/Gotta Travel On
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away from Coming Home
Porter Wagoner: Tennessee Saturday Night

7:30: Standard Candy
Del Reeves (host): Girl on the Billboard
Jeanne Pruett: I Oughta Feel Guilty
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away too Long
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel/Everytime You Leave
Del Reeves: Bad News

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You/Once A Day
The 4 Guys: When You Got A Good Woman, It Shows/How Married Are You Mary Ann
Opry Square Dance Band/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Gray Eagle

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Jim Ed Brown (host): Lyin' In Love With You
Vic Willis Trio: Beer Barrel Polka
Jan Howard: The One You Slip Around With
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Ray Pillow: I'll Break Out Again Tonight
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Ray Pillow: Days When You Were Still In Love With Me
Jim & Jesse: When I Dream About the Southland/The Night Runner
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand/You've Gotta Have A License

10:00: Little Debbie
Osborne Brothers (host): My Cabin in Caroline
Jean Shepard: I Just Had You On My Mind
Osborne Brothers: Beneath Still Waters

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Roy Acuff & Billy Grammer: Happy Birthday Donna
Billy Grammer: I Was Born in Renfro Valley/The Waltz You Saved for Me
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

10:30: Pet Milk
George Hamilton IV (host): Abilene
Charlie Louvin: My Baby's Gone
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

10:45: B.C. Powder
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Jeannie Seely: I'll Be Around When It's Over
Opry Square Dance Band/ The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

11:00: Coca-Cola
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Connie Smith: Walkin' After Midnight
Bill Carlisle: Oh, What A Party
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells/Send Me the Pillow You Dream On

11:30: Creamette
The 4 Guys (host): I'm All Tied Up
Roy Drusky: More & More
Jan Howard: Heartaches by the Numbers
Vic Willis Trio: Sioux City Sue
The 4 Guys: Wings of a Dove/My Special Angel/I've Had the Time of My Life

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend as we welcome back Reba McEntire.

Tuesday Night Opry 9/19 & Wednesday Night Opry 9/20

The line-up for the two mid-week shows have been posted, with Darius Rucker being recognized on Wednesday night upon his 5th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

But before we get to that, there is the Tuesday Night Opry. 5 of the 7 acts are members of the Opry, and it is nice to see both Josh Turner and Craig Morgan among the members slated to appear.

Tuesday September 19
7:00: Connie Smith; Craig Morgan
7:30: Josh Turner
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; Brooke Eden
8:45: Kristian Bush; Del McCoury Band

Wednesday September 20
7:00: John Conlee; Jacob Davis
7:30: Henry Cho; Brothers Osborne
Intermission
8:15: Carly Pearce; Vince Gill
8:45: Darius Rucker

As mentioned, Darius Rucker will be recognized upon his 5th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, joining the cast on October 16, 2012 (guess he couldn't make it closer to the actual date).

"Welcome him home, everybody! This is his new home right here," said Darius Rucker's good friend Brad Paisley to a Grand Ole Opry audience on October 2, 2012, just after Brad invited Darius to become an official member of the Opry. The invitation cemented a place in both country music and the genre's undisputed home for the soulful, rich baritone singer whose diverse career first landed him in pop music as the lead singer/co-writer for the wildly successful Hootie & the Blowfish.

Success as a solo country artist came quickly for Darius, whose first single, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" and the album on which it was included, "Learn To Live," became No. 1 smashes. As "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" was on its way up the charts in 2008, Darius played the Opry for the first time. "When I was asked if I wanted to perform on the Grand Ole Opry, I yelled, 'Are you kidding me?'" recalls Darius. "I've been waiting for that my whole life. To be invited where so many of the greatest country artists have performed is an honor, and I still can't believe it has been bestowed on me. Just to stand in the circle where so many greats have stood, Hank Williams, Kitty Wells. I just couldn't believe it."

In addition to his smash debut single, Darius has enjoyed other radio favorites, including "Alright," "It Won't Be Like This For Long," "This," and the Grammy-winning "Wagon Wheel." among others.

Presenting him with the Opry members Award during his October 16, 2012 induction, Vince Gill said to Darius, "I don't think there's a more beloved guy in our music than you. Before you even open your mouth and sing a song you've written, everybody is really crazy about you. You will find this place right here to be one of the greatest homes you'll ever have. Thanks for wanting to be a country music singer."

I hope everyone enjoys the mid-week Opry shows and are ready for Friday night when Reba McEntire returns to the Opry stage to celebrate her 40th anniversary of her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Grand Ole Opry 9/15 & 9/16

It will be a special weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as on Saturday night Jeannie Seely will be celebrating 50 years as a member of the Opry. Jeannie will be just the 6th female member to achieve this milestone, following in the footsteps of Minnie Pearl, Jean Shepard, Wilma Lee Cooper, Loretta Lynn and Connie Smith.

Jeannie Seely's mother said that Jeannie was just four years old when she learned to stretch up, tune the knob on her family's big console radio to 650 WSM and keep it there. Jeannie is still on the dial at 650 WSM, performing regularly on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

By age 11, she was performing on a weekly radio show in nearby Meadville, Pennsylvania, and a few years later was on TV in Erie. Years of playing auditoriums, small clubs, and country music parks followed. She moved to California and worked as a secretary with Liberty and Imperial Records in Hollywood before coming to Nashville in 1965 at the urging of Opry member Dottie West. "I don't know enough to go there yet," Jeannie remembers telling Dottie. The more experienced singer responded, "Jeannie, that's where you go to learn."

A recording contract with Monument Records gave Jeannie her first hit in 1966 with "Don't Touch Me," which went to the top of the charts and earned her a Grammy Award. One year later, the singer who became famous as "Miss Country Soul" fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a member of the Opry cast. More hits followed, including "I'll Love You More (Than You Need)," "Can I Sleep in Your Arms," and "Lucky Ladies." Jeannie briefly worked as a duet partner of Porter Wagoner and had a successful touring and recording partnership with follow Opry member Jack Greene resulting in multiple award nominations and such hits as the Top 10 single "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You." Jeannie also is a successful songwriter, having written Faron Young's No. 1 hit, "Leavin' and Sayin' Goodbye," a BMI award-winner. She has also had songs cut by Dottie West, Connie Smith, Willie Nelson and Ray Price. Known for her plainspoken ways and sharp sense of humor, Jeannie published a book of witticisms, "Pieces of a Puzzled Mind," in 1989.

Jeannie continues to record and make new music, along with traveling and doing tour dates, many times with Tim Atwood. Yet even with her busy schedule, most weekends will find Jeannie at the Opry and hosting segments. In fact, Jeannie was one of the first female members to host a segment.

"It never made any sense to me that a woman couldn't host a segment of the show. The first Opry manager to want to change that was Bob Whittaker. He said, 'We're wasting fifty percent of our artist pool.' I used to go up to Bob's predecessor, Hal Durham, and I'd say, 'I know you've told me before why women can't host, but won't you tell me one more time.' He'd rock from side to side and jingle his change and say, 'It's tradition, Jeannie.' I'd say, 'Oh, it's tradition. It just feels like discrimination.'

It took some time, but eventually Jeannie and the other female artists got their way.

Joining Jeannie this weekend on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will be Opry members Bill Anderson (who will be hosting the 1st segment honoring Jeannie), The Whites, Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky, Crystal Gayle and Patty Loveless. Also appearing will be Elizabeth Cook, Brandy Clark and Wynonna. I think it is safe to say that the night will be dominated by the females.

Jeannie, Mike, The Whites and The Riders are also scheduled for Friday night, where they will be joined by Opry members Joe Diffie, Jesse McReynolds, Connie Smith and Old Crow Medicine Show, who will be in the Opry Shop after the show. Guesting will be Mark Wills, Gwen Sebastian and The Last Bandoleros.

Friday September 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mark Wills; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Joe Diffie
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Gwen Sebastian; The Last Bandoleros
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show

Saturday September 16
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Elizabeth Cook; The Whites; Brandy Clark
Intermission
8:15: Mike Snider (host); Wynonna; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Crystal Gayle; Patty Loveless

That comes out to 11 acts on Friday night, of which 8 are Opry members, and 10 acts on Saturday night, of whom 7 are members of the Opry.

In addition to be honored at the Opry on Saturday night, Jeannie Seely will also be the host and featured attraction at the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of September 14 & 15, 2007:

Friday September 14
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Danielle Peck
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jim Ed Brown; Chris Young
9:30: Diamond Rio (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doug Stone

Saturday September 15
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Radney Foster
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Rockie Lynne; Mandy Barnett
7:30: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Rissi Palmer
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Chris Young

2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Radney Foster
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Rockie Lynne; Connie Smith; Marty Stuart
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Rissi Palmer; Chris Young

Now from 25 years ago, the weekend of September 18 & 19, 1992:

Friday September 18
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Roy Drusky; Jim Ed Brown; Jan Howard; Johnny Russell
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Walker; Jean Shepard; Billy Grammer;
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; The 4 Guys; Carlisles
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jack Greene; Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Billy Walker; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Stonewall Jackson; Ray Pillow; Oak Ridge Boys
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); The 4 Guys; Jim Ed Brown; Lorrie Morgan
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Jack Greene; Justin Tubb; Carlisles
11:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeanne Pruett; Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider
12:05: Reverend Jimmie Snow

Saturday September 19
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Billy Walker; The Whites
7:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Ray Pillow; Billy Grammer; Jann Brown
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); The 4 Guys; Jimmy Dickens; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Louvin; Jan Howard; Roy Drusky; Carlisles

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Billy Walker; Lorrie Morgan
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jimmy C Newman
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Jack Greene (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Justin Tubb; Roy Drusky; Jim Ed Brown
11:30: The 4 Guys (host); Ray Pillow; Carlisles; Jan Howard; Charlie Louvin

(Justin Tubb cancelled)

The Saturday night show in 1992 also recognized Jeannie Seely for being an Opry member 25 years, joining the cast on September 16, 1967. The Nashville Tennessean, when printing the Opry line-up in the Friday paper, would also highlight an Opry member, and the September 18, 1992 edition highlighted Jeannie Seely. Here is what was written:

This year, Jeannie Seely and the Grand Ole Opry are celebrating their silver anniversary. Wednesday marked the 25th year of Opry membership for "Miss Country Soul," who joined in 1967. This weekend, she celebrates the anniversary by singing in shows at 9:30 p.m. Friday and 7:30 and 11 p.m. Saturday. "I'm so excited, almost like I was the first time," Seely said. "I went through my wardrobe, and nothing was good enough. I went out and splurged today and bought a new dress." Seely has always been known for her fashion sense; credited with breaking the "calico curtain," she changed the image of sweet down-home female country music singers by wearing mini-skirts and low-cut dresses.

In 1966, Seely won a Grammy for "Don't Touch Me," a hit song that led to Opry membership. "I can't forget that," she said. "Usually the first criteria to join is a hit record. When 'Don't Touch Me' hit, I was so excited about having a No. 1 record, but I kept saying, 'Does this mean they'll ask me to join the Opry?'" They did. "I was so excited and so nervous the first appearance, "Seely said. "I remember thinking of the responsibility, what it meant to be a part of the Grand Ole Opry." To Seely, it means being part of a family. "There's just a kinship there," she said. "When I'm away, I'm homesick for the Grand Ole Opry." And every weekend she's in town, Seely can be found on the Opry stage. "It's kind of frightening how fast 25 years have gone by. I just can't believe it," she said. "I'm proud of being able to stick with it that long, as well as just happy that they've stuck we me."

That was from 25 years ago, and now this weekend Jeannie will join the select company of Opry members who have been with the Opry for 50 years.

Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday September 16, 1967, the night Jeannie Seely became an Opry member:

6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Ernie Ashworth (host): A Week in the Country
Paul Moore: Cold, Cold Heart
Spider Wilson: Wildwood Flower
Ernie Ashworth: My Love for You

6:45: Rudy's
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Jerri Lynn: Ain't Had No Lovin'
Jerry Whitehurst: Hey, Good Lookin'
George Hamilton IV: The Urge for Going

7:00: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host): Get While the Getting's Good
The 4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Jimmy Gatley: Sh Wants to Be Like You
Tammy Wynette: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Bill Anderson: No One's Gonna Hurt You Anymore
Duke of Paducah: Four-Leaf Clover
The 4 Guys: Walking in the Sunshine
Bill Anderson: Love You Drops

7:30: Standard Candy
Billy Grammer (host): Mabel, You Have Been A Friend to Me
Willis Brothers: A 6 ft 2 by 4
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself a Name
Margie Bowes: Man Around the House
Billy Grammer: The Real Thing
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Billy Grammer: Pennsylvania Polka
Willis Brothers: Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On

8:00: Martha White
Wilburn Brothers (host): It's Another World
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Dottie West: Like A Fool
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Wilburn Brothers: You're Standing in the Way
Pete Sayers: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Justin Tubb & Dottie West: Love Is No Excuse
Dottie West: Paper Mansions

8:30: Stephens
Roy Drusky (host): Rainbows & Roses
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Dew
Hugh X Lewis: You're So Cold I'm Turning Blue
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Roy Drusky: White Lightening Express
Opry Staff Band: Speeding West
Grandpa Jones: Everything I Had Going for Me Is Gone
Jeannie Seely: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Roy Drusky: Anymore

9:30: Kellogg's
Tex Ritter (host): Boll Weevil
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy's Alabamy Bound
Dottie West: Funny, Familiar, Forgotten Feelings
Hank Williams, Jr: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight/Wedding Bells/Mansion on the Hill/Half as Much/Lovesick Blues
Tex Ritter: Working Man's Prayer
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham

10:00: Schick
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Margie Bowes: Making Believe
Billy Grammer: Mabel, You Have Been a Friend to Me

10:15: Pure
Roy Drusky (host): Peel Me A Nanner
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South by the Sea
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Roy Drusky: New Lips

10:30: Buckley's
Ernie Ashworth (host): My Love for You
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
Willis Brothers: Bob/God Walks These Hills With Me

10:45: Newport
Wilburn Brothers (host): Good, Goody Gumdrop
Justin Tubb: Take A Letter Miss Gray
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl

11:00: Coca-Cola
Tex Ritter (host): Green Grow the Lilacs
The 4 Guys: Shendandoah
Jeannie Seely: I Fall to Pieces
Hank Williams, Jr: Long Gone Lonesome Blues/(?)/Can't Take it No Longer/I'm In No Condition to Love Again/I'm Nobody's Child
Tex Ritter: Just Beyond the Moon
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Gray Eagle
Jeannie Seely: Darling, Are You Ever Coming Home
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of a Hillbilly Heaven

11:30: Lava
Bob Luman (host): Let's Think About Living
Osborne Brothers: Roll Muddy River
Jerry Greene: Turn the World Around the Other Way
Tammy Wynette: I Don't Wanna Play House
Bob Luman: You Can Take the Boy From the Country
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Bob Luman: Memphis

Congratulations to Jeannie Seely on her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.

Grand Ole Opry 9/12 & 9/13

The Grand Ole Opry is having two mid-week shows this week as the Opry is back to having a Wednesday night show for a few weeks.

Tuesday September 12
8:00: Blake Shelton
8:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Jon Pardi
Intermission
9:15: Margo Price; Henry Cho
9:45: Lukas Nelson; Trace Adkins

Wednesday September 13
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Clare Bowen
7:30: Riders In The Sky; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Randy Owen
8:45: Luke Bryan

The Tuesday night segment with Blake Shelton will be part of a nation-wide hurricane relief show that is being nationally televised.

The Wednesday night show will celebrate Country Cares for St. Jude Kids. During this special show, photos and inspirational moments will be shared, and a St. Jude patient will be on stage as a special guest announcer for the night. Those attending the show will be encouraged to support St. Jude.

This is something that the Opry has done in the past and has gotten more involved with recently. When the opportunity comes that those in Nashville and at the Opry can help others, they should always take advantage of it. Our thanks to Ryman Hospitalities and the Grand Ole Opry for stepping forward.

Opry Member Troy Gentry Killed In Helicopter Crash

News came late this afternoon that Grand Ole Opry member Troy Gentry, half of the duo Montgomery Gentry was killed in a helicopter crash in New Jersey.

The following was posted on Montgomery Gentry's website this afternoon:

It is with great sadness that we confirm that Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash which took place at approximately 1:00 pm today in Medford, New Jersey.  The duo was scheduled to perform tonight at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford. Troy Gentry was 50 years old. 

Details of the crash are unknown. 

Troy Gentry's family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time.

In addition to the tragic death of Troy, former Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams passed away after a short illness. He was 78. 

Our prayers and thoughts are with both families.