Over the past day, I have given some thought to this year's Hall of Fame inductees: Ricky Skaggs, Dottie West, and Johnny Gimble, and before getting into the Grand Ole Opry line-ups for this weekend, I just wanted to offer an analysis regarding the election of these three well-deserved individuals, and where the Hall of Fame goes from here in future voting.
First, Johnny Gimble was elected in the Recording and/or Touring Musician Category. This is significant as the previous inductees from this category (Grady Martin, Pig Robbins, Charlie McCoy, Harold Bradley, Floyd Cramer) were primarily recording musicians and not touring musicians. While Johnny did his share of recording, he also worked the road with acts such as Bob Wills and Willie Nelson. Hopefully with the election of Johnny, it will open the door for other touring musicians such as Don Rich or Brother Oswald, who helped to define the sounds of Buck Owens and Roy Acuff.
Secondly, there is Dottie West. For the past several years there has been a significant campaign that involved a number of country music artists (Steve Wariner, Larry Gatlin, Kenny Rogers, Jeannie Seely, Shelly West), among others, who worked very hard to get Dottie elected to the Hall of Fame. It seemed that this year the voters got the message and felt that in order to move forward with others in the veterans category, they had to vote Dottie in. The reason is pretty simple: for the past several years, when the articles start appearing about the Hall of Fame, the first name mentioned as not being in was Dottie, with questions to the voters as to why not? Make no mistake about it: Dottie deserved to be elected, and should have been years ago. I believe with her election, the voters can now move on with a clear conscious to the others in the veterans category, such as Hank Williams, Jr., Crystal Gayle, Tanya Tucker, Ray Stevens, among so many others.
Finally, Ricky Skaggs. After the election last year of Alan Jackson in the modern era category, I was afraid that the voters decided to move forward and would start electing the candidates from the late 1980s and 1990s, leaving Ricky behind and waiting to be elected in the veterans class. I do believe that with the election of Ricky, that will close the door to artists of his generation getting elected to the Hall of Fame in the modern era category. I would expect that beginning next year, the focus will be on those from the very late 80s and 90s, including artists such as Brooks & Dunn, The Judds (yes, I know they are more of an 80s act, but there are often associated with the late 80s and 90s), Toby Keith, Marty Stuart and Tim McGraw, to name a few. To those that are left from Ricky's generation, with Steve Wariner and Keith Whitley coming to mind, I think they will have to wait until they get voted in from the veterans category.
Speaking of voting and categories, it was nice to hear Garth mention that he felt there were too many artists not in the Hall of Fame that should be, and that brings me to the voting. Let me be clear: I do not favor a mass induction. To me, that takes away some of the honor. However, I do believe in the opening up of categories, perhaps adding one or two. I also think that perhaps the voters should be allowed to vote for more than one nominee with those who receive a certain percentage of votes getting in. As an example, for the Baseball Hall of Fame it takes 75% of the vote and for the Football Hall of Fame it takes 80%. Perhaps something in that order to allow maybe two or three to be elected in a category. As things stand now, there is a tremendous backlog being created among those in the veteran class, with more being added each year. Once an artist enters that class, the only way they are eliminated is if they are elected. There are no easy answers but the Country Music Association needs to take a look at it. On the other hand, they might be perfectly fine with only three artists being elected each year. But to country music fans who wonder why their favorite artists are not in the Hall of Fame, that is not good enough.
Now to the Grand Ole Opry on this Easter weekend, as there are two pretty nice shows, with Saturday night's Grand Ole Opry looking very good. Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky. On Friday night, they will be joined by a couple of Hall of Famers, Bill Anderson and Vince Gill, along with Jesse McReynolds, a member of the bluegrass Hall of Fame. Saturday night has Steve Wariner, Terri Clark, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, The Whites and Bobby Osborne joining that group.
Guests on Friday night include Smithfield, Chonda Pierce, Annie Moses Band, RayLynn and Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert. Saturday night has Hall of Famer Don Schlitz, Lee Greenwood and making her Opry debut, Kalie Shorr.
Friday March 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Smithfield; Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Chonda Pierce; Annie Moses Band
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Jesse McReynolds; RayLynn
Saturday March 31
7:00: Steve Wariner (host); Mike Snider; Terri Clark
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Kalie Shorr; Riders In The Sky
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Don Schlitz; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Lee Greenwood
As mentioned, this will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Kalie Shorr. Kalie is from Portland, Maine. This 23 year old was playing guitar by the age of ten and began posting covers of popular songs on YouTube when she was 13. At the age of 16 she made her first visit to Nashville, moving there when she turned 19.
In 2010 she was the Southern Maine winner of Maine's Got Talent contest. In March 2014 she got involved in a weekly live show, Song Suffragettes, which featured female singer-songwriters, and has continued to perform on the show. In February 2015, Kalie released an EP of demos that she had recorded over her time in Nashville, named Nashville Sessions. In 2016, her single "Fight Like a Girl" began to receive airplay on Sirius XM The Highway. She later signed a publishing deal and in September 2016 released a second single "He's Just Not That Into You." In March 2017, she released Slingshot, a five-song EP. Thus far, her chart success has been minimal.
And now from 10 years ago, the weekend of March 28 & 29, 2008:
Friday March 28
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Jimmy C Newman; The Steeldrivers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jack Greene; Jennifer Hanson
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; B J Thomas
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ralph Stanley; Restless Heart
Saturday March 29
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Phil Stacey
7:00: Vince Gill (host); Kellie Pickler; The Time Jumpers; Neal McCoy
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jan Howard; Ralph Stanley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jack Greene; Charlie Daniels Band
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Phil Stacey
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Neal McCoy; Kellie Pickler
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Jean Shepard; The Time Jumpers; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ralph Stanley; Charlie Daniels Band
From 50 years ago, Saturday March 30, 1968:
7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Louvin (host); On the Other Hand
Grandpa Jones: Banjo Sam
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Wilma Burgess: Baby
The 4 Guys: The Men Who Never Returned
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Laurel
Del Wood: Waiting for the Robert E. Lee
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Have Any Place to Go
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host); Homestead on the Farm
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Stu Phillips: That's the Chance I'll Have to Take
Rex Allen: Don't Go Near the Indians/Up A Lazy River
Flatt & Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
8:30: Stephens
Billy Grammer (host); Mabel
Jim & Jesse: Ballad of Thunder Road
Jerry Green: I've Got A Tiger by the Tail
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Billy Grammer: Money, Love & War
Jim & Jesse: Memphis
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: The Dark End of the Street
Ramblin' Lou: Little Green Valley
Billy Grammer: God Will Take Care of You
9:00: Luzianne
Ray Pillow (host); Take Your Hands Off My Heart
The 4 Guys: Love of the Common People
Pete Sayers: Washed My Face in the Morning Dew
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Ray Pillow: Life Turned Her That Way
Duane Dee: Danny Boy
Donna Darlene: I Don't Know You From Adam
9:30: Kellogg's
Willis Brothers (host): A 6 FT 2 By 4
Charlie Louvin: Something's Wrong
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Willis Brothers: A Satisfied Mind
Harold Weakley: He'll Have to Go
Skeeter Davis: Instinct for Survival
10:00: Fender
Hank Locklin (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Stu Phillips: The Note in Box Number 9
Wilma Burgess: Misty Blue
Hank Locklin: Love Song for You
10:15: Pure
Flatt & Scruggs (host): It Was Only the Wind
Jerry Green: Make the World Go Away
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time
Flatt & Scruggs: Down in the Flood
10:30: Buckley's
Jim & Jesse (host): Truck Driving Man
Del Wood: Beer Barrel Polka
Duane Dee: The Shining Hour
Jim & Jesse: Diesel on My Tail
10:45: Newport
Archie Campbell (host): Rindercella
Lorene Mann: Don't Put Your Hands on Me
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: The Dark End of the Street
11:00: Coca-Cola
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
The 4 Guys: Woman; Woman
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Rex Allen: San Antonio Rose/The Streets of Laredo
Billy Grammer: Money, Love & War
Sam McGee: McGee Blues
Pete Sayers: Jimmy Brown the Newsboy
Billy Grammer: Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
11:30: Lava
Willis Brothers (host): Little Red Wagon
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Ray Pillow: Gone with the Wine
Cousin Jody: Jody's Chimes
Willis Brothers: Somebody Knows My Dog
Harold Weakley: You've Still Got A Place in My Heart
Skeeter Davis: My Last Date with You
Willis Brothers: Suppertime
There were a couple of names from that show 50 years ago that some might have recognized, or have forgotten:
Ramblin' Lou Schriver was from the western part of New York. Born in 1929, he began his radio career on WJJL in Niagara Falls in 1947. He then moved on to Buffalo and Southern Ontario, Canada. In 1951, along with his band Twin Pine Mountaineers, he recorded and released an album on Sparton Records. That led to appearances on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Erie County Fair, where he was an annual performer for 51 years. He was also a music promoter, who brought acts such as Elvis Presley, Buck Owens, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams to the Buffalo area. In 1985, he was inducted into the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and was a charter member of the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. He continued to perform locally until his death on January 17, 2016.
Duane Dee was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and recorded for Capital Records. He had the original recording of "Before the Next Teardrop Falls," which later went to No. 1 for Freddy Fender. Duane's version only went as high as #44 in 1968. He had a string of minor hits and made several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. As of September 2017 he was living in Florida.
Finally, Donna Darlene was born in Kane, Pennsylvania in 1938. She was pretty popular in the Western Pennsylvania area, performing on various radio stations in the area. She later was a part of the Bob Spicker and the Sunset Ramblers. Later she was a part of the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. By 1967, her manager was Shot Jackson and she was signed to Wizard Records, and then in 1979 to Stardust Records. She was married to Doug Kershaw and then to Shot Jackson. Donna never had a major hit and not much is known about her later years. She passed away in June 2017.
Finally, it was Saturday March 30, 1974 that the Earl Scruggs Revue made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. After breaking up with Lester Flatt in 1969, each remained Opry members, with Earl joining up with his sons Randy, Gary, and Steve, along with Vassar Clements and Josh Graves to play a more progressive style of bluegrass. The original line-up would change over the years, with Earl, Randy and Gary remaining the constant members, joined by various groups of musicians. While popular with younger audiences, Earl had issues with many who played and followed traditional bluegrass, with several feeling that Earl had lost his way. The group was popular on college campuses and festivals and performed with a number of progressive acts. The group recorded for Columbia Records.
Earl only stayed at the Opry for a few years after forming his group. Their first appearance was September 13, 1969, with their final show just over 4 1/2 years later. After leaving the Opry, the group stayed together until 1982 when the decision was made to part ways.
Here is the running order from 44 years ago, Saturday March 30, 1974, the final night that Earl Scruggs performed as a member of the Grand Ole Opry (just 2 weeks after the opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House):
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
6:45: Rudy's
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203/Looking Back to See
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
7:00: Rudy's
Archie Campbell (host): (?)
Bob Luman: Lonely Women Make Good Lovers
Tommy Jones: Dixie Hummingbird
Bob Luman: When You Say Love
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Tommy Jones: Orange Blossom Special
Archie Campbell: Make Friends
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I'm Going Home on the Morning Train
Lonzo & Oscar: Moving On #2
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Lost Indian
Roy Acuff: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Carol Lee Cooper: Making Plans
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light
8:00: Martha White
Billy Walker (host): I Changed My Mind
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Connie Smith: Dallas
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Grandpa Jones: Just Plain Folks
Earl Scruggs Revue: I Shall Be Released
8:30: Stephens
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigrae
The 4 Guys: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Johnny Russell: Red Necks, White Socks, Blue Ribbon Beer
Stu Phillips: That's A Chance I'll Have to Take
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Charlie Walker (host): Wanting My Woman Again
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Connie Smith: Amazing Grace
Charlie Walker: Jambalaya
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Charlie Walker: Jambalaya
Connie Smith: Louisiana Man
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
10:00: Fender
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Doin' My Time
Bob Luman: Today I Started Loving You Again
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Coming Down from God
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Back in the Country
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back to the Mountains
10:30: Trailblazer
Stu Phillips (host): There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Grandpa Jones: Banjo Sam/Mountain Dew
Stu Phillips: For the Good Times
10:45: Beech-Nut
Billy Grammer (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Lonzo & Oscar: Rocky Top
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Sally Goodin
Billy Grammer: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
11:00: Coca-Cola
Billy Walker (host): Sing Me A Love Song to Baby
Earl Scruggs Revue: Carolina Boogie
Tommy Jones: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Earl Scruggs Revue: T for Texas
Sam McGee: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of A Dove
Johnny Russell: Red Necks, White Socks, Blue Ribbon Beer
Ronnie Robbins: Am I Good Enough to Be Your Man/Mama Tried
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Love Me/Big Boss Man/I'm Wanting To/El Paso/Singing The Blues
There you have it for this week. Sunday April 1 is Easter Sunday. I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Easter, and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Tuesday Night Opry 3/27 & Opry Country Classics 3/29
In what was being advertised as a celebration upon Charlie Daniel's 10th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry has changed due to the continued illness of Charlie. If you remember, Charlie cancelled his appearance on last week's Tuesday night Opry, and because he is still under the weather, he has cancelled tonight's appearances. The Opry will still have two shows tonight, with Jamey Johnson stepping in to replace Charlie.
1st show
7:00: Terri Clark; Bill Anderson; Lorrie Morgan
8:00: Lauren Alaina; Chris Janson; Jamey Johnson
2nd show
9:30: Terri Clark; Bill Anderson; Lorrie Morgan
10:30: Lauren Alaina; Jamey Johnson; Chris Janson
Not a bad line-up at all for the Tuesday night show with 4 of the 6 artists being Opry members.
Opry Country Classics on Thursday night will have the following line-up:
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Pam Tillis
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis, Mo Pitney
1st show
7:00: Terri Clark; Bill Anderson; Lorrie Morgan
8:00: Lauren Alaina; Chris Janson; Jamey Johnson
2nd show
9:30: Terri Clark; Bill Anderson; Lorrie Morgan
10:30: Lauren Alaina; Jamey Johnson; Chris Janson
Not a bad line-up at all for the Tuesday night show with 4 of the 6 artists being Opry members.
Opry Country Classics on Thursday night will have the following line-up:
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Pam Tillis
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis, Mo Pitney
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Country Music Hall of Fame & Grand Ole Opry Members
It's that time of year again as the 2018 announcement of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame will take place on Tuesday March 27, hosted by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
When looking at the current members of the Hall of Fame, the vast majority of the performers who have been elected were Grand Ole Opry members at some point in their careers. Of the current cast of 64 members, 17 are Hall of Famers: Bill Anderson, Garth Brooks, Roy Clark, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Tom T Hall, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Connie Smith, and Randy Travis. Quite an impressive list. And if you follow the rumors, there are several more members who will be receiving serious consideration in this years voting.
So of the remaining 47 current Grand Ole Opry members, how many will eventually get elected to the Hall of Fame? Not necessarily this year or next, but at some point in the future.
My thinking is that there are a few members who are 100% locks at getting in someday: Clint Black, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Marty Stuart, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner, and Trisha Yearwood. I think the body of their work will get each of those into the Hall at some point.
There are a few others who I believe will receive some serious mention, but as to getting into the Hall of Fame, it could be an uphill battle. On that list, I have Trace Adkins, Patty Loveless, Lorrie Morgan, and Travis Tritt.
There are a few that I would say have a small chance of getting in (you never know what a voter might be thinking). I think that list would include John Conlee, Diamond Rio, Pam Tillis, and Riders In The Sky.
Sadly, and even though there are those who wish they would be, for many of the Opry members there will be literally no chance. I put Terri Clark, Joe Diffie, Jan Howard, Hal Ketchum, Craig Morgan, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Jeanne Pruett, Jeannie Seely, Ricky Van Shelton and The Whites.
I did not mention Jesse McReynolds (Jim & Jesse), Bobby Osborne (The Osborne Brothers), Dailey & Vincent, or Del McCoury as these acts are bluegrass in nature and it seems that since International Bluegrass Music Association established their own Hall of Fame, bluegrass acts seem to not get any consideration for the Country Music Hall of Fame. And then there is the case of Stonewall Jackson. I really believe he should be in the Hall of Fame (some forget how good Stonewall was in his prime with his honky-tonk sound), but his lawsuit again Gaylord and the Opry pretty much eliminated his chances.
Now, there are a number of acts that I did not mention: the younger ones who have been around less than 10-15 years. Artists such as Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Chris Young and Chris Janson. The body of work is incomplete on those acts, however if I had to list one who has the edge, I would give it to Darius Rucker.
The names of deceased and former Opry members comes up, with Ralph Stanley being the name most commonly mentioned. Ralph does deserve serious consideration and someday he might get in. Others in that category might include Dottie West, Archie Campbell, Wilburn Brothers, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Brother Oswald (in the musician category), and June Carter, However, they longer that it goes, the less their chances become.
There is a lot of competition for the Hall of Fame, much of it because of the election and voting policies of the Hall. With only 5 categories, 3 of which rotate, and only one per category getting in each year, it would seem that the Hall will never catch up. With the popularity of country music, and the growing number of eligible artists, I would expect a change at some point. The public will demand it, as will the CMA membership.
Like everyone else, I will be watching to see who is elected on Tuesday. Could it be one of the favorites, or could the electors throw us a name out of left field, as they did several years ago when Mac Wiseman was elected?
My predictions? For whatever it is worth, in the modern era, my personal hope is Ricky Skaggs, however my guess is that the voters continue the trend of last year with Alan Jackson's election, and go with another act from the same era, Brooks & Dunn. In the veteran class, I think Ray Stevens, Crystal Gayle, Tanya Tucker, Hank Williams, Jr, and Dottie West are the most popular names mentioned. My personal hope is Ray Stevens as I think he has been overlooked for a long time, however my guess is Crystal Gayle gets the call.
In the musicians category, there are so many possibilities again. If the voters look outside of Nashville, how about Don Rich? Brother Oswald is another name long overdue. Jimmy Capps? Kenny Harman? Kenny Buttrey? Bob Moore? Velma Williams? Tommy Jackson? Johnny Gimble? Vassar Clements? Pete Drake? Weldon Myrick? Hank Garland? I know, so many and I just named several. You could pick any of the Nashville "A" team players and not go wrong.
Good luck to all and who else cares to chime in?
When looking at the current members of the Hall of Fame, the vast majority of the performers who have been elected were Grand Ole Opry members at some point in their careers. Of the current cast of 64 members, 17 are Hall of Famers: Bill Anderson, Garth Brooks, Roy Clark, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Tom T Hall, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Connie Smith, and Randy Travis. Quite an impressive list. And if you follow the rumors, there are several more members who will be receiving serious consideration in this years voting.
So of the remaining 47 current Grand Ole Opry members, how many will eventually get elected to the Hall of Fame? Not necessarily this year or next, but at some point in the future.
My thinking is that there are a few members who are 100% locks at getting in someday: Clint Black, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Marty Stuart, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner, and Trisha Yearwood. I think the body of their work will get each of those into the Hall at some point.
There are a few others who I believe will receive some serious mention, but as to getting into the Hall of Fame, it could be an uphill battle. On that list, I have Trace Adkins, Patty Loveless, Lorrie Morgan, and Travis Tritt.
There are a few that I would say have a small chance of getting in (you never know what a voter might be thinking). I think that list would include John Conlee, Diamond Rio, Pam Tillis, and Riders In The Sky.
Sadly, and even though there are those who wish they would be, for many of the Opry members there will be literally no chance. I put Terri Clark, Joe Diffie, Jan Howard, Hal Ketchum, Craig Morgan, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Jeanne Pruett, Jeannie Seely, Ricky Van Shelton and The Whites.
I did not mention Jesse McReynolds (Jim & Jesse), Bobby Osborne (The Osborne Brothers), Dailey & Vincent, or Del McCoury as these acts are bluegrass in nature and it seems that since International Bluegrass Music Association established their own Hall of Fame, bluegrass acts seem to not get any consideration for the Country Music Hall of Fame. And then there is the case of Stonewall Jackson. I really believe he should be in the Hall of Fame (some forget how good Stonewall was in his prime with his honky-tonk sound), but his lawsuit again Gaylord and the Opry pretty much eliminated his chances.
Now, there are a number of acts that I did not mention: the younger ones who have been around less than 10-15 years. Artists such as Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Chris Young and Chris Janson. The body of work is incomplete on those acts, however if I had to list one who has the edge, I would give it to Darius Rucker.
The names of deceased and former Opry members comes up, with Ralph Stanley being the name most commonly mentioned. Ralph does deserve serious consideration and someday he might get in. Others in that category might include Dottie West, Archie Campbell, Wilburn Brothers, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Brother Oswald (in the musician category), and June Carter, However, they longer that it goes, the less their chances become.
There is a lot of competition for the Hall of Fame, much of it because of the election and voting policies of the Hall. With only 5 categories, 3 of which rotate, and only one per category getting in each year, it would seem that the Hall will never catch up. With the popularity of country music, and the growing number of eligible artists, I would expect a change at some point. The public will demand it, as will the CMA membership.
Like everyone else, I will be watching to see who is elected on Tuesday. Could it be one of the favorites, or could the electors throw us a name out of left field, as they did several years ago when Mac Wiseman was elected?
My predictions? For whatever it is worth, in the modern era, my personal hope is Ricky Skaggs, however my guess is that the voters continue the trend of last year with Alan Jackson's election, and go with another act from the same era, Brooks & Dunn. In the veteran class, I think Ray Stevens, Crystal Gayle, Tanya Tucker, Hank Williams, Jr, and Dottie West are the most popular names mentioned. My personal hope is Ray Stevens as I think he has been overlooked for a long time, however my guess is Crystal Gayle gets the call.
In the musicians category, there are so many possibilities again. If the voters look outside of Nashville, how about Don Rich? Brother Oswald is another name long overdue. Jimmy Capps? Kenny Harman? Kenny Buttrey? Bob Moore? Velma Williams? Tommy Jackson? Johnny Gimble? Vassar Clements? Pete Drake? Weldon Myrick? Hank Garland? I know, so many and I just named several. You could pick any of the Nashville "A" team players and not go wrong.
Good luck to all and who else cares to chime in?
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Grand Ole Opry 3/23 & 3/24
The line-ups are posted and it is another weekend at the Grand Ole Opry with one show each night. It is interesting to note that originally the Opry had two shows scheduled for Saturday night but over the weekend the late show was cancelled, due to poor ticket sales. My guess is that they thought they had one of the bigger named artists committed but that changed. It happens.
As to the Grand Ole Opry members appearing this weekend, both nights will feature Mike Snider, Jeannie Seely, and Connie Smith. Friday night we have Dailey & Vincent on the schedule, along with Bobby Osborne, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites. Saturday night, joining Mike, Jeannie and Connie will be Bill Anderson and Jesse McReynolds. That comes out to 7 Opry members on Friday and 5 on Saturday.
Guesting both nights will be comedian Dick Hardwick, joined on Friday night by "Nashville" star Charles Esten, Tegan Marie, Striking Matches and Shelly Fairchild. Saturday night, besides Dick, will feature Jimmy Wayne, Delta Rae, Maggie Rose, Jason Crabb, and John Berry, who will also be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. While nothing spectacular, both nights feature pretty solid line-ups.
Friday March 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charles Esten; Mike Snider
7:30: Dailey & Vincent (host); Tegan Marie; Striking Matches
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Dick Hardwick
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Shelly Fairchild
Saturday March 24
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy Wayne; Delta Rae
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Maggie Rose; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Dick Hardwick; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jason Crabb
From 10 years ago, the 4th weekend in March 2008:
Friday March 21
8:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Sarah Johns
8:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; James Otto
9:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Walker; George Hamilton IV; Josh Gracin
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Cherryholmes
Saturday March 22
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely
7:00: John Conlee (host); George Hamilton IV; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Chonda Pierce
7:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Jean Shepard; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Loretta Lynn
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Loretta Lynn
10:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Charlie Louvin; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chonda Pierce
10:30: Steve Wariner (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Marty Stuart (host); Riders In The Sky; Connie Smith
25 years ago, Saturday March 27, 1993:
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The 4 Guys
6:45: Jack Greene (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Billy Walker; Jan Howard; Charlie Louvin; Hank Locklin
7:30: Vince Gill (host); Emmylou Harris; Garth Brooks
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Justin Tubb; Bill Carlisle; Del Reeves
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Skeeter Davis; Garth Brooks
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jan Howard
10:15: Vince Gill (host); Emmylou Harris
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow
10:45: Jack Greene (host); Jeanne Pruett; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Hank Locklin; Bill Carlisle; Billy Walker
11:30: Del Reeves (host); The 4 Guys; Charlie Louvin; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
Last week I posted the line-up from opening night at the new Grand Ole Opry House. It was a star-studded night with a majority of the Opry's members appearing. The 2nd week it was pretty much back to normal with many of the Opry's members back out on the road. Here is the running order from Saturday March 23, 1974, the 2nd week at the new Grand Ole Opry House:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Merle Kilgore: Wolverton Mountain
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
6:45: Rudy's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Poor Ellen Smith
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Coming Down from God
7:00: Rudy's
Roy Acuff (host): When I Lay My Burdens Down
Jean Shepard: At the Time
Jimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold Tater and Wait
Minnie Pearl: Maple on the Hill
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
7:30: Standard Candy
Stu Phillips (host): Pride
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Johnny Carver: Yellow Ribbon
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Soldier's Joy
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Dottie West: Last Time I Saw Him
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
8:00: Martha White
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Connie Smith: Dallas
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Louie Roberts: Don't Worry/Tonight Carmen
Roy Drusky: One Day at A Time
Connie Smith: He Touched Me
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Roy Drusky: Alone with You
8:30: Stephens
Jim Ed Brown (host): Stay A Little Longer
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of a Dove
Stan Hitchcock: The Same Old Way
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Jim Ed Brown: Sometimes Sunshine
The 4 Guys: Down By the Lazy River
Stan Hitchcock: You Gave Me A Mountain
Cates Sisters: Uncle Pen
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Willis Brothers: Bob
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Merle Kilgore: Ring of Fire
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Stoney Cooper: Golden Slippers
10:00: Fender
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Dottie West: Country Sunshine/Last Time I Saw Him
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:30: Trailblazer
Justin Tubb (host): Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Jean Shepard: At the Time
Johnny Carver: Country Lullaby
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man
10:45: Beech-Nut
Stu Phillips (host): Crystal Chandeliers
Connie Smith: Dallas
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Stu Phillips: A Castle; A Cabin
11:00: Coca-Cola
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
Cates Sisters: Uncle Pen
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Jim Ed Brown: Why Me Lord
Jimmy Dickens: John Hentry
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
11:30: Elm Hill
The 4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Stan Hitchcock: I'm Back in Baby's Arms
Louie Roberts: Just A Little Lovin'/Anytime/Bouquet of Roses/Cattle Call
The 4 Guys: Fall Away
Stan Hitchcock: Just Call Me Lonesome
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
A name from that night that you don't hear much anymore is Johnny Carver. Johnny, who is now 77 years old, was born in Jackson, Mississippi. Between 1968 ad 1977 he had fifteen Top 40 hits on the Billboard Country Charts, the highest being the country version of Tony Orlando's "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" which reached No. 1 in 1974. His only other Top 10 singles were "You Really Haven't Changed" which went to No. 6 in 1973 and "Afternoon Delight" which settled in at No. 9 in 1976.
Finally, on March 27th, Jan Howard will be celebrating 47 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, joining the cast on that date in 1971.
Some artists sing country songs. Some live them. Jan Howard has done a lot of living and entertained a whole lot of fans between the year in which she was born in West Plains, Missouri, and when she returned to her hometown to be inducted into the Walk of Fame on Court Square and her home state to dedicate Jan Howard Expressway and to be inducted into the Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame.
After spending time in California, Jan moved to Nashville and made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 1959. Her first solo single the next year, "The One You Slip Around With," was a Top 10 hit, and both Billboard and Cashbox magazines named her their Most Promising Country Vocalist of the year. Jan lived up to the promise in subsequent years with more than 20 Top 40 singles. She also made a name for herself in live shows alongside good friends Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette, among others.
Among Jan's biggest solo hits are "Evil on Your Mind," (named one of country music's 500 greatest singles by the book "Heartaches by the Number"), "Bad Seed" and "Count Your Blessings, Woman." Even while she was on the charts as a solo artist, she was also enjoying success as part of Bill Anderson's syndicated TV show and tour. Together, the two Opry members topped the charts with "For Loving You," a month-long No. 1 in 1967. Meanwhile, Jan also was writing big hits for others in the business including Hall of Famers Bill, Johnny, Tammy, Kitty Wells, Conway Twitty, and Connie Smith. Jan's single "My Son," a song that began as a letter to her son Jimmy in Vietnam, was released just a few weeks before he was killed in action in 1968. Several year's later, Jan's efforts on behalf of the armed forces, mental health, the Veterans Administration, Vietnam veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial earned her the Tennessee Adjutant General's Distinguished Patriot Medal, its highest civilian honor. And in 2005, the Commander in Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars presented her with the Medal of Merit, which is awarded for "exceptional service rendered to country, community, and mankind.
Prior to Jan becoming an Opry member, she had guested so many times as part of Bill Anderson's group, that the Opry thought she was already a member. It was Bud Wendall who corrected the oversight, adding her to the Opry's cast as soon as he discovered his error. Jan is now basically retired from performing although she is still seen around town and occasionally backstage at the Opry.
Here is the running order from Saturday March 27, 1971, the night Jan Howard became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): I Taught Her Everything She Knows
Ray Pillow: Grazin' in Greener Pastures
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art
6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Please Be My New Love
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
7:00: Luzianne
Bill Monroe (host): My Little Georgia Rose
Earl Scruggs Revue: Loraderojosp III Breakdown
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Ernie Ashworth: Jesus Is A Soul Man
James William Monroe: Come With Me Up Happiness Hill
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Top
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of the Dogwood Tree
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Dew
Jan Howard: Evil on Your Mind
George Morgan: For the Good Times
Bill Anderson: Always Remember
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Grandpa Jones: Fair & Tender Ladies
Bill Anderson & Jan Howard: Someday We'll Be Together
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free
Tex Ritter: The Men in My Little Girls's Life
Willis Brothers: Women's Liberatioin
Lonzo & Oscar: Crawdad Song
8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): The Carroll County Accident
Dolly Parton: Coming For to Carry Me Home
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn
Tom T Hall: Ballad of 40 Dollars
Porter Wagoner: The Last One to Touch Me
Hank Locklin: She's As Close As I Can Get
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Better Move it On Home
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): You Can Change the World By Changing Your Mind
Willis Brothers: For the Good Times
Jan Howard: Were You There
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Ray Pillow: Working Man Blues
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Little Joe
Earl Scruggs Revue: Bugle Call Rag
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
10:15: Union 76
Billy Walker (host): When A Man Loves A Woman
Grandpa Jones: Dooley
Ernie Ashworth: Jesus Is A Soul Man
Billy Walker: Make the World Go Away
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Jack Greene: There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:45: Beech-Nut
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: Joshua
Stringbean: Lonesome Road Blues
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Better Move it On Home
11:00: Coca-Cola
Tex Ritter (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
Han Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Tex Ritter: High Noon
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Ronnie Robbins: Put You Hand in the Hand/Today I Started Loving You Again
Marty Robbins: I Walk Alone/Don't Worry/A Heart Full of Love/Long Gone Lonesome Blues
Marty Robbins & Ronnie Robbins: It Finally Happened
There you have it for this week. Congratulations again to Jan Howard and I hope, as always, everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!
As to the Grand Ole Opry members appearing this weekend, both nights will feature Mike Snider, Jeannie Seely, and Connie Smith. Friday night we have Dailey & Vincent on the schedule, along with Bobby Osborne, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites. Saturday night, joining Mike, Jeannie and Connie will be Bill Anderson and Jesse McReynolds. That comes out to 7 Opry members on Friday and 5 on Saturday.
Guesting both nights will be comedian Dick Hardwick, joined on Friday night by "Nashville" star Charles Esten, Tegan Marie, Striking Matches and Shelly Fairchild. Saturday night, besides Dick, will feature Jimmy Wayne, Delta Rae, Maggie Rose, Jason Crabb, and John Berry, who will also be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. While nothing spectacular, both nights feature pretty solid line-ups.
Friday March 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charles Esten; Mike Snider
7:30: Dailey & Vincent (host); Tegan Marie; Striking Matches
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Dick Hardwick
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Shelly Fairchild
Saturday March 24
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy Wayne; Delta Rae
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Maggie Rose; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Dick Hardwick; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jason Crabb
From 10 years ago, the 4th weekend in March 2008:
Friday March 21
8:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Sarah Johns
8:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; James Otto
9:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Walker; George Hamilton IV; Josh Gracin
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Cherryholmes
Saturday March 22
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely
7:00: John Conlee (host); George Hamilton IV; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Chonda Pierce
7:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Jean Shepard; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Loretta Lynn
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Loretta Lynn
10:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Charlie Louvin; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chonda Pierce
10:30: Steve Wariner (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Marty Stuart (host); Riders In The Sky; Connie Smith
25 years ago, Saturday March 27, 1993:
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The 4 Guys
6:45: Jack Greene (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Billy Walker; Jan Howard; Charlie Louvin; Hank Locklin
7:30: Vince Gill (host); Emmylou Harris; Garth Brooks
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Justin Tubb; Bill Carlisle; Del Reeves
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Skeeter Davis; Garth Brooks
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jan Howard
10:15: Vince Gill (host); Emmylou Harris
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow
10:45: Jack Greene (host); Jeanne Pruett; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Hank Locklin; Bill Carlisle; Billy Walker
11:30: Del Reeves (host); The 4 Guys; Charlie Louvin; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
Last week I posted the line-up from opening night at the new Grand Ole Opry House. It was a star-studded night with a majority of the Opry's members appearing. The 2nd week it was pretty much back to normal with many of the Opry's members back out on the road. Here is the running order from Saturday March 23, 1974, the 2nd week at the new Grand Ole Opry House:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Merle Kilgore: Wolverton Mountain
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
6:45: Rudy's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Poor Ellen Smith
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Coming Down from God
7:00: Rudy's
Roy Acuff (host): When I Lay My Burdens Down
Jean Shepard: At the Time
Jimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold Tater and Wait
Minnie Pearl: Maple on the Hill
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
7:30: Standard Candy
Stu Phillips (host): Pride
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Johnny Carver: Yellow Ribbon
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Soldier's Joy
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Dottie West: Last Time I Saw Him
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
8:00: Martha White
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Connie Smith: Dallas
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Louie Roberts: Don't Worry/Tonight Carmen
Roy Drusky: One Day at A Time
Connie Smith: He Touched Me
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Roy Drusky: Alone with You
8:30: Stephens
Jim Ed Brown (host): Stay A Little Longer
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of a Dove
Stan Hitchcock: The Same Old Way
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Jim Ed Brown: Sometimes Sunshine
The 4 Guys: Down By the Lazy River
Stan Hitchcock: You Gave Me A Mountain
Cates Sisters: Uncle Pen
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Willis Brothers: Bob
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Merle Kilgore: Ring of Fire
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Stoney Cooper: Golden Slippers
10:00: Fender
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Dottie West: Country Sunshine/Last Time I Saw Him
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:30: Trailblazer
Justin Tubb (host): Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Jean Shepard: At the Time
Johnny Carver: Country Lullaby
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man
10:45: Beech-Nut
Stu Phillips (host): Crystal Chandeliers
Connie Smith: Dallas
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Stu Phillips: A Castle; A Cabin
11:00: Coca-Cola
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
Cates Sisters: Uncle Pen
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Jim Ed Brown: Why Me Lord
Jimmy Dickens: John Hentry
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
11:30: Elm Hill
The 4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Stan Hitchcock: I'm Back in Baby's Arms
Louie Roberts: Just A Little Lovin'/Anytime/Bouquet of Roses/Cattle Call
The 4 Guys: Fall Away
Stan Hitchcock: Just Call Me Lonesome
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
A name from that night that you don't hear much anymore is Johnny Carver. Johnny, who is now 77 years old, was born in Jackson, Mississippi. Between 1968 ad 1977 he had fifteen Top 40 hits on the Billboard Country Charts, the highest being the country version of Tony Orlando's "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" which reached No. 1 in 1974. His only other Top 10 singles were "You Really Haven't Changed" which went to No. 6 in 1973 and "Afternoon Delight" which settled in at No. 9 in 1976.
Finally, on March 27th, Jan Howard will be celebrating 47 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, joining the cast on that date in 1971.
Some artists sing country songs. Some live them. Jan Howard has done a lot of living and entertained a whole lot of fans between the year in which she was born in West Plains, Missouri, and when she returned to her hometown to be inducted into the Walk of Fame on Court Square and her home state to dedicate Jan Howard Expressway and to be inducted into the Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame.
After spending time in California, Jan moved to Nashville and made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 1959. Her first solo single the next year, "The One You Slip Around With," was a Top 10 hit, and both Billboard and Cashbox magazines named her their Most Promising Country Vocalist of the year. Jan lived up to the promise in subsequent years with more than 20 Top 40 singles. She also made a name for herself in live shows alongside good friends Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette, among others.
Among Jan's biggest solo hits are "Evil on Your Mind," (named one of country music's 500 greatest singles by the book "Heartaches by the Number"), "Bad Seed" and "Count Your Blessings, Woman." Even while she was on the charts as a solo artist, she was also enjoying success as part of Bill Anderson's syndicated TV show and tour. Together, the two Opry members topped the charts with "For Loving You," a month-long No. 1 in 1967. Meanwhile, Jan also was writing big hits for others in the business including Hall of Famers Bill, Johnny, Tammy, Kitty Wells, Conway Twitty, and Connie Smith. Jan's single "My Son," a song that began as a letter to her son Jimmy in Vietnam, was released just a few weeks before he was killed in action in 1968. Several year's later, Jan's efforts on behalf of the armed forces, mental health, the Veterans Administration, Vietnam veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial earned her the Tennessee Adjutant General's Distinguished Patriot Medal, its highest civilian honor. And in 2005, the Commander in Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars presented her with the Medal of Merit, which is awarded for "exceptional service rendered to country, community, and mankind.
Prior to Jan becoming an Opry member, she had guested so many times as part of Bill Anderson's group, that the Opry thought she was already a member. It was Bud Wendall who corrected the oversight, adding her to the Opry's cast as soon as he discovered his error. Jan is now basically retired from performing although she is still seen around town and occasionally backstage at the Opry.
Here is the running order from Saturday March 27, 1971, the night Jan Howard became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): I Taught Her Everything She Knows
Ray Pillow: Grazin' in Greener Pastures
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art
6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Please Be My New Love
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
7:00: Luzianne
Bill Monroe (host): My Little Georgia Rose
Earl Scruggs Revue: Loraderojosp III Breakdown
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Ernie Ashworth: Jesus Is A Soul Man
James William Monroe: Come With Me Up Happiness Hill
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Top
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of the Dogwood Tree
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Dew
Jan Howard: Evil on Your Mind
George Morgan: For the Good Times
Bill Anderson: Always Remember
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Grandpa Jones: Fair & Tender Ladies
Bill Anderson & Jan Howard: Someday We'll Be Together
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free
Tex Ritter: The Men in My Little Girls's Life
Willis Brothers: Women's Liberatioin
Lonzo & Oscar: Crawdad Song
8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): The Carroll County Accident
Dolly Parton: Coming For to Carry Me Home
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn
Tom T Hall: Ballad of 40 Dollars
Porter Wagoner: The Last One to Touch Me
Hank Locklin: She's As Close As I Can Get
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Better Move it On Home
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): You Can Change the World By Changing Your Mind
Willis Brothers: For the Good Times
Jan Howard: Were You There
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Ray Pillow: Working Man Blues
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Little Joe
Earl Scruggs Revue: Bugle Call Rag
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
10:15: Union 76
Billy Walker (host): When A Man Loves A Woman
Grandpa Jones: Dooley
Ernie Ashworth: Jesus Is A Soul Man
Billy Walker: Make the World Go Away
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Jack Greene: There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:45: Beech-Nut
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: Joshua
Stringbean: Lonesome Road Blues
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Better Move it On Home
11:00: Coca-Cola
Tex Ritter (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
Han Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Tex Ritter: High Noon
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Ronnie Robbins: Put You Hand in the Hand/Today I Started Loving You Again
Marty Robbins: I Walk Alone/Don't Worry/A Heart Full of Love/Long Gone Lonesome Blues
Marty Robbins & Ronnie Robbins: It Finally Happened
There you have it for this week. Congratulations again to Jan Howard and I hope, as always, everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!
Monday, March 19, 2018
Tuesday Night Opry 3/20 & Opry Country Classics 3/22
Tuesday night will be very special as Chris Janson becomes the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Chris Janson was born on April 2, 1986 in Perryville, Missouri. He moved to Nashville after completing high school. In June 2009, Chris co-wrote and recorded several duets with Holly Williams. In October 2009, he signed with BNA Records, then in April 2010 he released his first single, "'Til A Woman Comes Along." The song made it up to No. 52 on the country charts.
After leaving BNA, Chris drifted around writing and recording with various artists. He co-wrote Tim McGraw's single "Truck, Yeah," played on Lee Brice's song "Beer," and wrote the title track to Justin Moore's album "Off the Beaten Path." In 2013, he signed with Bigger Picture Music Group and released "Better I Don't," followed by "Cut Me Some Slack." neither of which made the country charts, although they did receive radio airplay.
In early 2015, Chris released "Buy Me a Boat." The song debuted at No. 33 on the Hot Country Songs chart after it received airplay on the Bobby Bones Show. It was officially released as a single via Warner Bros. Records in May 2015 and became a Top 5 hit. The song eventually went as high as No. 2 on the charts. That single was followed by "Power of Positive Drinkin'," "Holdin' Her," "Fix a Drink," and "Drunk Girl." The songs all received considerable airplay, with "Fix a Drink" reaching No. 10 on the country charts.
Chris Janson has guested on the Opry over a hundred times and is known for his energy and enthusiasm that he brings with each performance. Many times he has expressed his love and appreciation for the Grand Ole Opry and has publicly stated how much he would like to become an Opry member. That dream will become a reality on Tuesday night.
7:00: John Conlee; Carly Pearce
7:30: Del McCoury Band; Lorrie Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Chris Janson
8:45: Jamey Johnson; Charlie Daniels Band
Opry Country Classics on Thursday night will feature Chris Young as the spotlight artist.
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Chris Young
Also Appearing: Jim Lauderdale; TG Sheppard; Mike Snider; Rhonda Vincent
Congratulations to Chris Janson. He will be the 4th new Opry member since the start of 2017, following in the footsteps of Crystal Gayle, Dailey & Vincent and Chris Young. Those three have so far been good choices and I truly believe Chris Janson will follow their lead and continue to support the Opry as his career continues to move forward.
Chris Janson was born on April 2, 1986 in Perryville, Missouri. He moved to Nashville after completing high school. In June 2009, Chris co-wrote and recorded several duets with Holly Williams. In October 2009, he signed with BNA Records, then in April 2010 he released his first single, "'Til A Woman Comes Along." The song made it up to No. 52 on the country charts.
After leaving BNA, Chris drifted around writing and recording with various artists. He co-wrote Tim McGraw's single "Truck, Yeah," played on Lee Brice's song "Beer," and wrote the title track to Justin Moore's album "Off the Beaten Path." In 2013, he signed with Bigger Picture Music Group and released "Better I Don't," followed by "Cut Me Some Slack." neither of which made the country charts, although they did receive radio airplay.
In early 2015, Chris released "Buy Me a Boat." The song debuted at No. 33 on the Hot Country Songs chart after it received airplay on the Bobby Bones Show. It was officially released as a single via Warner Bros. Records in May 2015 and became a Top 5 hit. The song eventually went as high as No. 2 on the charts. That single was followed by "Power of Positive Drinkin'," "Holdin' Her," "Fix a Drink," and "Drunk Girl." The songs all received considerable airplay, with "Fix a Drink" reaching No. 10 on the country charts.
Chris Janson has guested on the Opry over a hundred times and is known for his energy and enthusiasm that he brings with each performance. Many times he has expressed his love and appreciation for the Grand Ole Opry and has publicly stated how much he would like to become an Opry member. That dream will become a reality on Tuesday night.
7:00: John Conlee; Carly Pearce
7:30: Del McCoury Band; Lorrie Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Chris Janson
8:45: Jamey Johnson; Charlie Daniels Band
Opry Country Classics on Thursday night will feature Chris Young as the spotlight artist.
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Chris Young
Also Appearing: Jim Lauderdale; TG Sheppard; Mike Snider; Rhonda Vincent
Congratulations to Chris Janson. He will be the 4th new Opry member since the start of 2017, following in the footsteps of Crystal Gayle, Dailey & Vincent and Chris Young. Those three have so far been good choices and I truly believe Chris Janson will follow their lead and continue to support the Opry as his career continues to move forward.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Grand Ole Opry 3/16 & 3/17
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend, both with very solid line-ups. And of course, with Saturday being St. Patrick's Day, it will be the Nashville Irish Step Dancers kicking off the show.
Grand Ole Opry members appearing both nights include John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Mike Snider and Dailey & Vincent. Joining that group on Friday night will be Opry members Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Josh Turner and Jesse McReynolds, while Jeannie Seely and Bobby Osborne will be appearing on Saturday night. That adds up to 8 members on Friday and 6 on Saturday.
Guesting on Friday night will be Shenandoah, Ashley Monroe and Lee Brice. All very solid performers. Saturday night will feature Wade Hayes, Craig Campbell, Steve Moakler, and a couple of Hall of Fame members: Don Schlitz and Jimmy Fortune.
Friday March 16
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Josh Turner
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Shenandoah
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Ashley Monroe
8:45: Dailey & Vincent (host); Lee Brice
Saturday March 17
7:00: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; John Conlee (host); Wade Hayes; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Craig Campbell
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Don Schlitz; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Dailey & Vincent (host); Steve Moakler; Jimmy Fortune
Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of March 14 & 15, 2008:
Friday March 14
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Chris Young
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Andy Griggs
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; Rhett Atkins
9:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Rhonda Vincent
Saturday March 15
1st show
6:30: Nashville Irish Stepdancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:00: Carrie Underwood; Little Big Town; Lady Antebellum; Randy Travis
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Rhett Atkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Hal Ketchum; Jack Greene
2nd show
9:30: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Little Big Town
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Carrie Underwood
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jean Shepard; Lady Antebellum; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jack Greene; Rhett Atkins
It was during the first show on that Saturday night that Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Carrie, who was the first country music singer to win American Idol, would formally join the cast two months later on May 10.
From Saturday March 20, 1993, the 3rd weekend in March 25 years ago:
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); The 4 Guys
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Walker
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Louvin; Bill Carlisle; The Whites
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Joe Diffie; Holly Dunn; Ricky Van Shelton
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Jan Howard; Del Reeves; Ray Pillow
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Holly Dunn; Ricky Van Shelton
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); Riders In The Sky; Jeannie Seely
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Del Reeves; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Louvin & Charles Whitstein; Justin Tubb; Joe Diffie
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The 4 Guys; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell
Looking back at the 3rd weekend in March over the years, it was on Saturday March 16, 1996 that Grand Ole Opry member Don Gibson performed on the Opry for the final time.
Music Row first wanted him as a songwriter. He wanted to perform. So, Don Gibson wrote enough hits for himself and everybody else. For starters, "I Can't Stop Loving You," "I'd Be A Legend in My Time," and "Sweet Dreams," Don's songs have been recorded by more than 150 artists, from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello and Ferlin Husky to Ella Fitzgerald.
Born in Shelby, North Carolina, Don was the son of a railroad man. With three brothers and two sisters, Don knew early on that he would be responsible for financing his music career. So, he went to work in the textile mills and "hopping curbs and even delivering baby diapers," he recalled, just to earn enough money. Don was only a kid when he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, to be a regular on the WNOX "Tennessee Barndance." He also played area club dates and one-nighters. Wesley Rose, president of Acuff-Rose Publishing in Nashville saw Don perform. Wesley's father Fred Rose had discovered Hank Williams. Wesley Rose offered Don a songwriting contract. But, since Don wanted to sing, he told Wesley that it was a deal only if he got to perform. So, his writing contract was with Wesley, his recording contract with RCA.
His first single, "Too Soon to Know" became a known song, but it was the second one that garnered the attention, "Oh, Lonesome Me." He wrote it in the same afternoon that he wrote "I Can't Stop Loving You." But Don didn't think much of "Oh, Lonesome Me." "I Thought it was nothing at all, so I sent it to Nashville and said, "'Give it to George Jones. It might make him a good number.'" he remembered, "I had no idea I'd ever cut it. But Chet Atkins and Wesley Rose said that was the one they wanted me to record. I said, 'I don't want to do that junk. I thought you'd give it to George,' Well, they insisted, so I said, 'I'll do it if you let me put "I Can't Stop Loving You" on the back. I think it's the best song.' Chet and Wesley reluctantly agreed to use the song, and "I Can't Stop Loving You" became a country standard in spite of them."
Don further justified his talents with such hits as "Blue Blue Day," "Legend In My Time," "Sweet Dreams," "Too Soon To Know," "Give Away The Blues," "Country Green," "Who Cares" and scores of others. So many that you can't separate Don Gibson the singer from the songwriter.
Don originally joined the Opry on May 20, 1958. However, he was later fired from the Opry's cast in December 1964 for failing to meet the Opry's appearance requirements. He rejoined the Opry several years later, and would remain an Opry member until his death in 2003. In 2000, Don was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In his later years, Don appeared at the Opry very seldom as he entered a period of declining health. As mentioned, his last appearance was on Saturday March 16, 1996. Here is the running order from the Opry that night:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings/Joggin' In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Fifteen Cents is All I Got
Bluegrass Boys: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here this Morning
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little Rock
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Jan Howard: Evil on Your Mind
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Brother Oswald: John Hardy
Jean Shepard: Head Over Heals in Love With You
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
The Whites: It Should've Been Easy
Porter Wagoner: Forty Miles to Poplar Bluff
The Wagonmasters: Over the Line
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
The Hemphills: Let's Have a Revival/Partners In Emotion
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me/I Can't Stop Loving You
Jimmy Dickens: When Your House is Not A Home/Mountain Dew
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Before I Met You
Billy Walker: Come A Little Bit Closer
Jeannie Seely: Another Bridge to Burn
Opry Square Dance Band: Durang's Hornpipe
Bill Anderson: The Touch of the Master's Hand/Still
8:30: Kraft
The 4 Guys (host): It's All Right
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The 4 Guys: Forever Young
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): 'Ol Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jean Shepard: Gone, Gone, Gone
The Hemphills: Let's All Go to Church/Partners in Emotion
Christi Lynn: Don't Stop for Nothing
10:00: Massey-Ferguson
Del Reeves (host): Good Time Charlie's
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime At A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield/Girl on the Billboard
10:15: Zim's Crack Cream
Grandpa Jones (host): Nashville on My Mind
The Whites: Move it on Over
Grandpa Jones: Four Stone Walls & A Ceiling
10:30: Gruhn Guitars
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed
The Jordanaires: The Uncloudy Day
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
10:45: Fairfield
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jeannie Seely: Another Bridge to Burn
Opry Square Dance Band: Sugar in the Goard
Bill Anderson: The Big Railroad Man
11:00: Coca-Cola
The 4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Jeanne Pruett: Back to Back
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips a Beat
The 4 Guys: Tennessee
11:30: Loreal
Billy Walker (host): Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
Connie Smith: Walk Me to the Door/Walkin' After Midnight
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore/The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Roy Drusky: Waltz of the Angels
Billy Walker: Adam's Side/Charlie's Shoes
It should also be noted that Bill Monroe was scheduled on the Opry that night, however after appearing on the Friday Night Opry the night before, Bill suffered a stroke that ended his performing days. Bill entered a period of declining health and would pass away later that year.
Other Opry events from the 3rd weekend in March include the annual Opry reunion show (Old Timer's Night) on Saturday March 20, 1976 and Saturday March 19, 1977. On March 20, 1980, Opry member Marion Worth made her final appearance on the Opry, as she made the decision to retire.
Finally, let's not forget the big event, which was the grand opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House, which took place on Saturday March 16, 1974. I know I have printed the running order from that night several times, but knowing that there are new readers to the blog, here we go again with it:
1st show
Roy Acuff & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Wabash Cannonball
Roy Acuff: You Are My Sunshine
Howdy Forrester: Instrumental
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Drusky: Satisfied Mind
Jerry Clower: Marcella's Chain Saw
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
President Richard Nixon & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Mrs. Nixon
President Richard Nixon: My Wild Irish Rose
Roy Acuff & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Stay A Little Longer
President Richard Nixon & Grand Ole Opry Cast: God Bless America
Jan Howard: My Kind of People
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Goodin
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces of Life
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: American Trilogy
George Morgan: You Turn Me On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' on Me
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
The Four Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
Ernest Tubb: Walking the Floor Over You
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Loving Heart
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
2nd show
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country
Howdy Forrester: Instrumental
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
Ernie Ashworth: Honky-Tonk Hardwood Floor
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Jeannie Seely: Can I Sleep in Your Arms Tonight, Mister
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
Jan Howard: Sunshine on My Shoulder
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Grandpa Jones: Heading South with Nashville on My Mind
Connie Smith: Dallas
Bobby Lord: Mississippi
Charlie Louvin: You're My Wife; She's My Woman
Jerry Clower: The Last Piece of Chicken
George Morgan: Red Rose from the Blue Side of Town
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: The Potato Song
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
Sam & Kirk McGee: Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Justin Tubb: Ramblin' Man
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Marion Worth: Me & Bobby McGee
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/I'm Wanting To/Big Boss Man/Singing the Blues
The first show started at 6:30 and ended at 10:15 while the 2nd show went from 10:47 until 1:54. The first show was made up of an invited audience while the 2nd show was for the "regular" Opry fans. President Richard Nixon was the first President of the United States and he was on stage for just about 30 minutes. As you can see, the artists went pretty much in alphabetical order during the first show, with Roy Acuff leading off. The 2nd show was pretty much the same, but there were a few changes as some artists needed to get on the road for Sunday matinee shows.
While just about every member of the Grand Ole Opry made it that night, there were a few who did not: Archie Campbell, Bill Carlisle, Lester Flatt, David Houston, George Jones, Bob Luman, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Monroe (who did phone into the first show), Earl Scruggs, Billy Walker and Tammy Wynette. While still listed as Opry members, Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall both made the decision to give up their Opry memberships while Skeeter Davis was still on suspension.
There you have it for this week. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. And don't forget that on the Tuesday Night Opry Chris Janson will become the Opry's newest member.
Grand Ole Opry members appearing both nights include John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Mike Snider and Dailey & Vincent. Joining that group on Friday night will be Opry members Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Josh Turner and Jesse McReynolds, while Jeannie Seely and Bobby Osborne will be appearing on Saturday night. That adds up to 8 members on Friday and 6 on Saturday.
Guesting on Friday night will be Shenandoah, Ashley Monroe and Lee Brice. All very solid performers. Saturday night will feature Wade Hayes, Craig Campbell, Steve Moakler, and a couple of Hall of Fame members: Don Schlitz and Jimmy Fortune.
Friday March 16
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Josh Turner
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Shenandoah
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Ashley Monroe
8:45: Dailey & Vincent (host); Lee Brice
Saturday March 17
7:00: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; John Conlee (host); Wade Hayes; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Craig Campbell
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Don Schlitz; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Dailey & Vincent (host); Steve Moakler; Jimmy Fortune
Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of March 14 & 15, 2008:
Friday March 14
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Chris Young
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Andy Griggs
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; Rhett Atkins
9:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Rhonda Vincent
Saturday March 15
1st show
6:30: Nashville Irish Stepdancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:00: Carrie Underwood; Little Big Town; Lady Antebellum; Randy Travis
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Rhett Atkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Hal Ketchum; Jack Greene
2nd show
9:30: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Little Big Town
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Carrie Underwood
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jean Shepard; Lady Antebellum; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jack Greene; Rhett Atkins
It was during the first show on that Saturday night that Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Carrie, who was the first country music singer to win American Idol, would formally join the cast two months later on May 10.
From Saturday March 20, 1993, the 3rd weekend in March 25 years ago:
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); The 4 Guys
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Walker
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Louvin; Bill Carlisle; The Whites
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Joe Diffie; Holly Dunn; Ricky Van Shelton
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Jan Howard; Del Reeves; Ray Pillow
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Holly Dunn; Ricky Van Shelton
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); Riders In The Sky; Jeannie Seely
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Del Reeves; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Louvin & Charles Whitstein; Justin Tubb; Joe Diffie
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The 4 Guys; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell
Looking back at the 3rd weekend in March over the years, it was on Saturday March 16, 1996 that Grand Ole Opry member Don Gibson performed on the Opry for the final time.
Music Row first wanted him as a songwriter. He wanted to perform. So, Don Gibson wrote enough hits for himself and everybody else. For starters, "I Can't Stop Loving You," "I'd Be A Legend in My Time," and "Sweet Dreams," Don's songs have been recorded by more than 150 artists, from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello and Ferlin Husky to Ella Fitzgerald.
Born in Shelby, North Carolina, Don was the son of a railroad man. With three brothers and two sisters, Don knew early on that he would be responsible for financing his music career. So, he went to work in the textile mills and "hopping curbs and even delivering baby diapers," he recalled, just to earn enough money. Don was only a kid when he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, to be a regular on the WNOX "Tennessee Barndance." He also played area club dates and one-nighters. Wesley Rose, president of Acuff-Rose Publishing in Nashville saw Don perform. Wesley's father Fred Rose had discovered Hank Williams. Wesley Rose offered Don a songwriting contract. But, since Don wanted to sing, he told Wesley that it was a deal only if he got to perform. So, his writing contract was with Wesley, his recording contract with RCA.
His first single, "Too Soon to Know" became a known song, but it was the second one that garnered the attention, "Oh, Lonesome Me." He wrote it in the same afternoon that he wrote "I Can't Stop Loving You." But Don didn't think much of "Oh, Lonesome Me." "I Thought it was nothing at all, so I sent it to Nashville and said, "'Give it to George Jones. It might make him a good number.'" he remembered, "I had no idea I'd ever cut it. But Chet Atkins and Wesley Rose said that was the one they wanted me to record. I said, 'I don't want to do that junk. I thought you'd give it to George,' Well, they insisted, so I said, 'I'll do it if you let me put "I Can't Stop Loving You" on the back. I think it's the best song.' Chet and Wesley reluctantly agreed to use the song, and "I Can't Stop Loving You" became a country standard in spite of them."
Don further justified his talents with such hits as "Blue Blue Day," "Legend In My Time," "Sweet Dreams," "Too Soon To Know," "Give Away The Blues," "Country Green," "Who Cares" and scores of others. So many that you can't separate Don Gibson the singer from the songwriter.
Don originally joined the Opry on May 20, 1958. However, he was later fired from the Opry's cast in December 1964 for failing to meet the Opry's appearance requirements. He rejoined the Opry several years later, and would remain an Opry member until his death in 2003. In 2000, Don was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In his later years, Don appeared at the Opry very seldom as he entered a period of declining health. As mentioned, his last appearance was on Saturday March 16, 1996. Here is the running order from the Opry that night:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings/Joggin' In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Fifteen Cents is All I Got
Bluegrass Boys: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here this Morning
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little Rock
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Jan Howard: Evil on Your Mind
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Brother Oswald: John Hardy
Jean Shepard: Head Over Heals in Love With You
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
The Whites: It Should've Been Easy
Porter Wagoner: Forty Miles to Poplar Bluff
The Wagonmasters: Over the Line
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
The Hemphills: Let's Have a Revival/Partners In Emotion
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me/I Can't Stop Loving You
Jimmy Dickens: When Your House is Not A Home/Mountain Dew
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Before I Met You
Billy Walker: Come A Little Bit Closer
Jeannie Seely: Another Bridge to Burn
Opry Square Dance Band: Durang's Hornpipe
Bill Anderson: The Touch of the Master's Hand/Still
8:30: Kraft
The 4 Guys (host): It's All Right
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The 4 Guys: Forever Young
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): 'Ol Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jean Shepard: Gone, Gone, Gone
The Hemphills: Let's All Go to Church/Partners in Emotion
Christi Lynn: Don't Stop for Nothing
10:00: Massey-Ferguson
Del Reeves (host): Good Time Charlie's
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime At A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield/Girl on the Billboard
10:15: Zim's Crack Cream
Grandpa Jones (host): Nashville on My Mind
The Whites: Move it on Over
Grandpa Jones: Four Stone Walls & A Ceiling
10:30: Gruhn Guitars
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed
The Jordanaires: The Uncloudy Day
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
10:45: Fairfield
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jeannie Seely: Another Bridge to Burn
Opry Square Dance Band: Sugar in the Goard
Bill Anderson: The Big Railroad Man
11:00: Coca-Cola
The 4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Jeanne Pruett: Back to Back
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips a Beat
The 4 Guys: Tennessee
11:30: Loreal
Billy Walker (host): Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
Connie Smith: Walk Me to the Door/Walkin' After Midnight
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore/The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Roy Drusky: Waltz of the Angels
Billy Walker: Adam's Side/Charlie's Shoes
It should also be noted that Bill Monroe was scheduled on the Opry that night, however after appearing on the Friday Night Opry the night before, Bill suffered a stroke that ended his performing days. Bill entered a period of declining health and would pass away later that year.
Other Opry events from the 3rd weekend in March include the annual Opry reunion show (Old Timer's Night) on Saturday March 20, 1976 and Saturday March 19, 1977. On March 20, 1980, Opry member Marion Worth made her final appearance on the Opry, as she made the decision to retire.
Finally, let's not forget the big event, which was the grand opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House, which took place on Saturday March 16, 1974. I know I have printed the running order from that night several times, but knowing that there are new readers to the blog, here we go again with it:
1st show
Roy Acuff & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Wabash Cannonball
Roy Acuff: You Are My Sunshine
Howdy Forrester: Instrumental
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Drusky: Satisfied Mind
Jerry Clower: Marcella's Chain Saw
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
President Richard Nixon & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Mrs. Nixon
President Richard Nixon: My Wild Irish Rose
Roy Acuff & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Stay A Little Longer
President Richard Nixon & Grand Ole Opry Cast: God Bless America
Jan Howard: My Kind of People
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Goodin
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces of Life
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: American Trilogy
George Morgan: You Turn Me On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' on Me
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
The Four Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
Ernest Tubb: Walking the Floor Over You
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Loving Heart
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
2nd show
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country
Howdy Forrester: Instrumental
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
Ernie Ashworth: Honky-Tonk Hardwood Floor
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Jeannie Seely: Can I Sleep in Your Arms Tonight, Mister
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
Jan Howard: Sunshine on My Shoulder
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Grandpa Jones: Heading South with Nashville on My Mind
Connie Smith: Dallas
Bobby Lord: Mississippi
Charlie Louvin: You're My Wife; She's My Woman
Jerry Clower: The Last Piece of Chicken
George Morgan: Red Rose from the Blue Side of Town
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: The Potato Song
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
Sam & Kirk McGee: Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Justin Tubb: Ramblin' Man
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Marion Worth: Me & Bobby McGee
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/I'm Wanting To/Big Boss Man/Singing the Blues
The first show started at 6:30 and ended at 10:15 while the 2nd show went from 10:47 until 1:54. The first show was made up of an invited audience while the 2nd show was for the "regular" Opry fans. President Richard Nixon was the first President of the United States and he was on stage for just about 30 minutes. As you can see, the artists went pretty much in alphabetical order during the first show, with Roy Acuff leading off. The 2nd show was pretty much the same, but there were a few changes as some artists needed to get on the road for Sunday matinee shows.
While just about every member of the Grand Ole Opry made it that night, there were a few who did not: Archie Campbell, Bill Carlisle, Lester Flatt, David Houston, George Jones, Bob Luman, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Monroe (who did phone into the first show), Earl Scruggs, Billy Walker and Tammy Wynette. While still listed as Opry members, Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall both made the decision to give up their Opry memberships while Skeeter Davis was still on suspension.
There you have it for this week. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. And don't forget that on the Tuesday Night Opry Chris Janson will become the Opry's newest member.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Tuesday Night Opry 3/13 & Opry Country Classics 3/15
Is it just me or does it seem that the Tuesday Night Opry shows offers a better line-up then the weekend shows? I know that a lot of the bigger name artists tour on the weekends or are involved in other activities, which is fine, but it just appears that the Opry management deems the weeknight shows as equally important as the weekend shows, if that makes sense. For some of the Opry's members, they are getting in their appearances but none are coming on the weekends.
With that said, it is another strong Tuesday night show with Opry members Rascal Flatts, Craig Morgan and Dailey & Vincent leading the way:
7:00: John Conlee; Emily West
7:30: Easton Corbin; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely; Craig Morgan
8:45: Rascal Flatts
Opry Country Classics has Tracy Lawrence as the Spotlight Artist this week. He is one entertainer who I would not mind seeing as an Opry member.
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Tracy Lawrence
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Moe Bandy, Amber Digby, Sylvia
Enjoy!
With that said, it is another strong Tuesday night show with Opry members Rascal Flatts, Craig Morgan and Dailey & Vincent leading the way:
7:00: John Conlee; Emily West
7:30: Easton Corbin; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely; Craig Morgan
8:45: Rascal Flatts
Opry Country Classics has Tracy Lawrence as the Spotlight Artist this week. He is one entertainer who I would not mind seeing as an Opry member.
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Tracy Lawrence
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Moe Bandy, Amber Digby, Sylvia
Enjoy!
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