It will be a special Tuesday Night Opry this week as the Opry will honor the music of former Grand Ole Opry member, and Country Music Hall of Fame member, Don Williams. The show will feature performances by Alison Krauss, John Prine, Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires, all of whom appear on the tribute album, "Gentle Giant: The Songs of Don Williams." While the show will feature songs by Don Williams, he is not expected to participate in the show as he is now retired.
Don joined the Grand Ole Opry on April 23, 1976, leaving in 1981. I thought it would be interesting to look back and see what the Opry printed regarding Don in the 1976 "Grand Ole Opry WSM Picture-History Book," the year her joined.
Country music composers in Nashville refer to Don Williams as "the song doctor." He has a knack for helping with the construction of a melody line, or lyric when the writer is stuck or the end product doesn't seem to be working. And that's some compliment from your peers. Don Williams is thought of as songwriter to some, singer to others, a mellow, sure a atypical country entertainer to most. The lanky, laid-back performer says of himself, "Family and music make up my life. I love the music because it lets me really express myself. I could never walk up to all those people in the audience and say what I can say in song." An East coast writer says of Don's style, "The sound is quite out of place with the main current of the times. It's almost as if, in some unlikely circumstance, Jim Reeves had been raised again today, given a Texas accent and sent downtown in blue jeans to cut sweet country songs without the violins. The voice is slow and easy, a comfortable baritone devoid of flash or stress or edges. The sound is rare indeed. It features a complete lack of cuteness and a considerable portion of good taste. It is anything but commonplace." But among his talents, Don leans toward writing. "It's the most fulfilling for me," he says, "I understand what is a good song and that's just what I try to write. Finding the right combination and putting it all together is satisfying. It's a projection, while performing, the song reinforces the initial idea; it's almost an after-the-fact type thing." Charley Pride was the first established country music artist to record a Don Williams song. Others to have followed suit include Sonny James, Jeanne Pruett, Johnny Cash, Lefty Frizzell, and Lobo. Don figures he's written close to 500 songs.
Born in the small Texas town of Floydada, Don's family moved often, to Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Iowa and Missouri. While living in a small Missouri town Don latched onto the guitar and learned to play from his sole teacher, his mother. He was 12 at the time, but had a craving for an entertainment career already. Don's first paid job in country music came during his sophomore year in high school in Gregory, Texas, when a band he headed played for the grand opening of a local service station. It was a start. He also played and sang with a group during Army basic training, and while he was in military school, then later when he was stationed in Japan. Following his discharge from the Army, Don took jobs here and there, until he decided to return to music. In 1964, while in Corpus Christi, Texas, Don formed the Pozo Seco Singers, a three member vocal group who sang a variety of popular music; folk, pop and country. Their first recorded single, "Time," climbed to the top 10 on national music charts. The name Pozo Seco literally translates as "dry hole" from a colloquial term used by geologists in that part of the country, but Don had finally hit and the hole was anything but dry. The group clicked time and again with their records and personal appearances, and stayed together until 1970, during which time Don wrote several of their songs.
In April 1976, Don joined the Grand Ole Opry. He keeps his public appearances down to a comfortable amount per month, and divides the rest of his time between recording, songwriting, and tending his farm in Ashland City, Tennessee. Don also had a prominent role with Burt Reynolds in the 20th Century Fox movie, "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings." Don now records for ABC/DOT Records. Some of his hits include: "Shelter of Your Eyes," "Come Early Morning," "Amanda," "The Ties That Bind," "You're My Best Friend," "Love Me Tonight," and "Til The Rivers All Run Dry." Don produces his own records because, "I want to do music the way it feels most honest to me." And honest is a good description of the kind of music this Texan makes. His songs don't rage with gimmicks but are quiet songs in an intimate dignified style all his own. And that style has established Don as one of the most appreciated country singers in the world.
As I wrote, that was written in 1976 and Don's career continued to expand. By the time he was finished, he had released over 25 albums and 62 singles, 21 of which went to No. 1.
Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry May 30:
7:00: Bill Anderson; Carly Pearce
7:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Darius Rucker
Intermission
8:15: Amanda Shires; Jason Isbell
8:45: John Prine; Alison Krauss
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Grand Ole Opry 5/26 & 5/27
It's the Memorial Day weekend and the Grand Ole Opry has come up with two very nice shows, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. There are several highlights for this weekend, particularly on Saturday night when Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Grand Ole Opry member, Bobby Bare, will be making an appearance. Bobby will also be signing in the Opry Shop after the show.
As to Grand Ole Opry members appearing this weekend, Connie Smith, Mike Snider, Bill Anderson and Riders In The Sky are scheduled for both nights. On Friday night they will be joined by Jesse McReynolds and Ricky Skaggs, while on Saturday night, Bobby Osborne, The Whites and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ronnie Milsap will join that group.
As to guest artists this weekend, there are some very good ones. Appearing both nights will be Tracy Lawrence. At one time, Tracy expressed the desire to be an Opry member some day. While I don't think that will be happening anytime soon, it is always nice when Tracy makes an appearance on the Opry stage. Also appearing will be Steven Curtis Chapman and Maggie Rose. Then you have the legendary Gene Watson and another artist who would love to be an Opry member, Chris Janson. Despite no membership, Chris continues to come out and support the show. His career continues to take off and I still think he will be an Opry members sooner rather than later.
Saturday night's guests, in addition to Bobby Bare and Tracy Lawrence, include Suzy Bogguss, the great Ray Stevens, and a fairly new group that has appeared on the Opry previously, The Railers.
Friday May 26
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Maggie Rose; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Tracy Lawrence
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Steven Curtis Chapman
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Gene Watson; Chris Janson
Saturday May 27
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Railers; Suzy Bogguss
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Tracy Lawrence; Bobby Bare
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Ray Stevens; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Ronnie Milsap
The Railers are based out of Nashville and the band is composed of brothers Jordan and Jonathan Lawson, along with Cassandra Lawson, wife of Jonathan. Originally known as Tin Cup Gypsy, the band changed their name to The Railers in 2012. In addition to headlining their own dates, the group has also opened for Sara Evans. In 2012 they signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and a record deal with Warner Music Nashville. The group is currently promoting their newest project: 11:59 (Central Standard Time).
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 25 & 26, 2007:
Friday May 25
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Connie Smith; Keni Thomas
8:30: Jean Shepard (host); Del McCoury Band; Joe Diffie
9:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Walker; The Whites; Mandy Barnett
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Chesnutt
Saturday May 26
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Keni Thomas
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Connie Smith; Riders In The Sky
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Keni Thomas
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Del McCoury Band
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett
Now from 25 years ago, the weekend of May 29 & 30, 1992:
Friday May 29
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jimmy C Newman; Ray Pillow; Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Osborne Brothers; Jimmy Dickens; The Whites; Joe Diffie
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Anderson; Jim and Jesse; Justin Tubb; Jack Greene
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Garth Brooks; Del Reeves
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Jerry Clower; Connie Smith
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; The 4 Guys; Billy Walker; Garth Brooks
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones; Jim Ed Brown; Stonewall Jackson
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jimmy Dickens; Jerry Clower; Joe Diffie
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Carlisles; Charlie Walker; Jim and Jesse
11:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Del Reeves; Johnny Russell
12:05: Rev. Jimmie Snow
Saturday May 30
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Jim and Jesse; Jean Shepard; Mel McDaniel
7:30: Hank Snow (host); Jerry Clower; Charlie Louvin; Garth Brooks
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bill Anderson; John Conlee; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Tom T Hall (host); The 4 Guys; The Whites; Osborne Brothers
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy Dickens; Garth Brooks
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Connie Smith; Roy Drusky
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene
10:30: Tom T Hall (host); Billy Walker
10:45: Jerry Clower (host); Mel McDaniel; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); John Conlee; Jimmy C Newman; The 4 Guys; Carlisles
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); The Whites; Osborne Brothers; Charlie Louvin
From that night, Mel McDaniel cancelled out on Saturday night. Wilma Lee Cooper filled the spot on the 1st show, while Stonewall Jackson moved to his spot on the 2nd show. And Charles Whitstein performed as a duo with Charlie Louvin.
From 50 years ago, Saturday May 27, 1967, beginning with the 8:00 segment. (The 7:30 segment sponsored by Cordite featured Billy Walker and Ernie Ashworth).
8:00: Martha White
Bobby Lord (host): (?)
Jim and Jesse: (?)
Dottie West: (?)
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Jim and Jesse: Truck Driving Man
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye
8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep
Norma Jean: You're Driving Me Out of My Mind
Lonzo & Oscar: New River Train #2
Porter Wagoner: Be Careful of Stones That You Throw
Charlie Louvin: On the Other Hand
Mac Magaha & Buck Trent: Goodbye Liza Jane
Bonnie Guitar: (?)
Porter Wagoner: The Cold Hard Facts of Life
9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Wilburn Brothers: Just to Be Where You Are
George Lindsay: Waiting in Your Welfare Line/Cottonfields
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Ernest Tubb: Yesterday's Winner is a Loser Today
Wilburn Brothers: Roarin' Again
Ernest Tubb: Jealous Lovin' Heart
9:30: Kellogg's
Roy Acuff (host): Tied Down
4 Guys: Walking in the Sunshine
Marion Worth: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roger Miller: King of the Road/Dang Me
Marion Worth: Walk Through this World With Me
Roy Acuff: Somebody Touched Me
10:00: Schick
Charlie Louvin (host): See the Big Man Cry
Cousin Jody: Listen to the Mockingbird
Ernie Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business
Charlie Louvin: Off & On
10:15: Pure
Wilburn Brothers (host): Hurt Her Once for Me
Billy Walker: Del Rio
Debbie Lori Kay: Ride; Ride; Ride
10:30: Buckley's
Porter Wagoner (host): If I Could Only Start Over
Norma Jean: Conscience, Keep An Eye On Me
Porter Wagoner: The Cold Hard Facts of Life
Speck Rhodes: Sweet Fern
10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Crook Brothers: (?)
Ernest Tubb: Another Story; Another Time; Another Place
11:00: Coca-Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Freight Train Blues
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Lonzo & Oscar: Crawdad Song
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Roy Acuff: (?)
Oswald: The Girl I Love Don't Pay Me No Mind
Sam McGee: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Onie Wheeler: Water Your Flower
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Singing the Blues
Marion Worth: Touch My Heart
4 Guys: Walk Through This World With Me
Bonnie Guitar: This Train/Freight Train/Night Train to Memphis
Don Winters: Cattle Call
Harold Weakley: Paint A Picture of My World
Marion Worth: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman
Bobby Sykes: Living In A Wonderful World of Women
Marty Robbins: Bouquet of Roses
A couple of interesting items from that night: Roy Acuff did not sing Wabash Cannonball or Great Speckled Bird. Those were probably Roy's two biggest songs, and most played on the Opry, however there were nights when Roy would mix it up and add a few other numbers. And, a guest appearance by George Lindsay, more familiar as "Goober" from the Andy Griffith Show, and Roger Miller.
Two female singers from that night that might not ring a bell with a lot of people: Debbie Lori Kay, who appeared earlier that year on the Opry and someone I had previously written about, and then there was Bonnie Guitar.
Bonnie Buckingham was born March 25, 1923 in Seattle, Washington. Not only was she a singer, but she was also a very successful session musician, and she was also known as a producer and successful businesswoman. She was best remembered for her 1957 cross over pop-country hit "Dark Moon." In the late 1950's, she started Dolton Records, which was the label that launched the careers of The Fleetwoods and The Ventures. Later, she was part owner of Jerden Records.
In the 1960's, she recorded for Dot Records and released a series of country music albums. Her first Top 10 country hit was "I'm Living in Two Worlds" which went to No. 9 on the charts. A number of singles followed including "A Woman in Love" which went to #4 on the charts in 1967, and would be her highest charted song. She followed that with Top 10 songs "Stop the Song" and "I Believe in Love" her final Top 10 recording, released in 1968. In the 1970's she recorded for Columbia Records and MCA Records with limited success. In 1980, she was back on the charts with "Honey on the Moon." She continued to perform until 1996, when Bonnie announced her retirement. However, in 2014, she began producing and writing music again. At the age of 92, she still occasionally performs on weekends with her band.
There you have it for this week. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!!
As to Grand Ole Opry members appearing this weekend, Connie Smith, Mike Snider, Bill Anderson and Riders In The Sky are scheduled for both nights. On Friday night they will be joined by Jesse McReynolds and Ricky Skaggs, while on Saturday night, Bobby Osborne, The Whites and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ronnie Milsap will join that group.
As to guest artists this weekend, there are some very good ones. Appearing both nights will be Tracy Lawrence. At one time, Tracy expressed the desire to be an Opry member some day. While I don't think that will be happening anytime soon, it is always nice when Tracy makes an appearance on the Opry stage. Also appearing will be Steven Curtis Chapman and Maggie Rose. Then you have the legendary Gene Watson and another artist who would love to be an Opry member, Chris Janson. Despite no membership, Chris continues to come out and support the show. His career continues to take off and I still think he will be an Opry members sooner rather than later.
Saturday night's guests, in addition to Bobby Bare and Tracy Lawrence, include Suzy Bogguss, the great Ray Stevens, and a fairly new group that has appeared on the Opry previously, The Railers.
Friday May 26
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Maggie Rose; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Tracy Lawrence
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Steven Curtis Chapman
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Gene Watson; Chris Janson
Saturday May 27
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Railers; Suzy Bogguss
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Tracy Lawrence; Bobby Bare
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Ray Stevens; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Ronnie Milsap
The Railers are based out of Nashville and the band is composed of brothers Jordan and Jonathan Lawson, along with Cassandra Lawson, wife of Jonathan. Originally known as Tin Cup Gypsy, the band changed their name to The Railers in 2012. In addition to headlining their own dates, the group has also opened for Sara Evans. In 2012 they signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and a record deal with Warner Music Nashville. The group is currently promoting their newest project: 11:59 (Central Standard Time).
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 25 & 26, 2007:
Friday May 25
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Connie Smith; Keni Thomas
8:30: Jean Shepard (host); Del McCoury Band; Joe Diffie
9:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Walker; The Whites; Mandy Barnett
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Chesnutt
Saturday May 26
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Keni Thomas
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Connie Smith; Riders In The Sky
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Keni Thomas
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Del McCoury Band
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett
Now from 25 years ago, the weekend of May 29 & 30, 1992:
Friday May 29
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jimmy C Newman; Ray Pillow; Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Osborne Brothers; Jimmy Dickens; The Whites; Joe Diffie
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Anderson; Jim and Jesse; Justin Tubb; Jack Greene
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Garth Brooks; Del Reeves
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Jerry Clower; Connie Smith
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; The 4 Guys; Billy Walker; Garth Brooks
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones; Jim Ed Brown; Stonewall Jackson
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jimmy Dickens; Jerry Clower; Joe Diffie
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Carlisles; Charlie Walker; Jim and Jesse
11:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Del Reeves; Johnny Russell
12:05: Rev. Jimmie Snow
Saturday May 30
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Jim and Jesse; Jean Shepard; Mel McDaniel
7:30: Hank Snow (host); Jerry Clower; Charlie Louvin; Garth Brooks
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bill Anderson; John Conlee; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Tom T Hall (host); The 4 Guys; The Whites; Osborne Brothers
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy Dickens; Garth Brooks
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Connie Smith; Roy Drusky
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene
10:30: Tom T Hall (host); Billy Walker
10:45: Jerry Clower (host); Mel McDaniel; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); John Conlee; Jimmy C Newman; The 4 Guys; Carlisles
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); The Whites; Osborne Brothers; Charlie Louvin
From that night, Mel McDaniel cancelled out on Saturday night. Wilma Lee Cooper filled the spot on the 1st show, while Stonewall Jackson moved to his spot on the 2nd show. And Charles Whitstein performed as a duo with Charlie Louvin.
From 50 years ago, Saturday May 27, 1967, beginning with the 8:00 segment. (The 7:30 segment sponsored by Cordite featured Billy Walker and Ernie Ashworth).
8:00: Martha White
Bobby Lord (host): (?)
Jim and Jesse: (?)
Dottie West: (?)
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Jim and Jesse: Truck Driving Man
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye
8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep
Norma Jean: You're Driving Me Out of My Mind
Lonzo & Oscar: New River Train #2
Porter Wagoner: Be Careful of Stones That You Throw
Charlie Louvin: On the Other Hand
Mac Magaha & Buck Trent: Goodbye Liza Jane
Bonnie Guitar: (?)
Porter Wagoner: The Cold Hard Facts of Life
9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Wilburn Brothers: Just to Be Where You Are
George Lindsay: Waiting in Your Welfare Line/Cottonfields
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Ernest Tubb: Yesterday's Winner is a Loser Today
Wilburn Brothers: Roarin' Again
Ernest Tubb: Jealous Lovin' Heart
9:30: Kellogg's
Roy Acuff (host): Tied Down
4 Guys: Walking in the Sunshine
Marion Worth: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roger Miller: King of the Road/Dang Me
Marion Worth: Walk Through this World With Me
Roy Acuff: Somebody Touched Me
10:00: Schick
Charlie Louvin (host): See the Big Man Cry
Cousin Jody: Listen to the Mockingbird
Ernie Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business
Charlie Louvin: Off & On
10:15: Pure
Wilburn Brothers (host): Hurt Her Once for Me
Billy Walker: Del Rio
Debbie Lori Kay: Ride; Ride; Ride
10:30: Buckley's
Porter Wagoner (host): If I Could Only Start Over
Norma Jean: Conscience, Keep An Eye On Me
Porter Wagoner: The Cold Hard Facts of Life
Speck Rhodes: Sweet Fern
10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Crook Brothers: (?)
Ernest Tubb: Another Story; Another Time; Another Place
11:00: Coca-Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Freight Train Blues
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Lonzo & Oscar: Crawdad Song
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Roy Acuff: (?)
Oswald: The Girl I Love Don't Pay Me No Mind
Sam McGee: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Onie Wheeler: Water Your Flower
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Singing the Blues
Marion Worth: Touch My Heart
4 Guys: Walk Through This World With Me
Bonnie Guitar: This Train/Freight Train/Night Train to Memphis
Don Winters: Cattle Call
Harold Weakley: Paint A Picture of My World
Marion Worth: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman
Bobby Sykes: Living In A Wonderful World of Women
Marty Robbins: Bouquet of Roses
A couple of interesting items from that night: Roy Acuff did not sing Wabash Cannonball or Great Speckled Bird. Those were probably Roy's two biggest songs, and most played on the Opry, however there were nights when Roy would mix it up and add a few other numbers. And, a guest appearance by George Lindsay, more familiar as "Goober" from the Andy Griffith Show, and Roger Miller.
Two female singers from that night that might not ring a bell with a lot of people: Debbie Lori Kay, who appeared earlier that year on the Opry and someone I had previously written about, and then there was Bonnie Guitar.
Bonnie Buckingham was born March 25, 1923 in Seattle, Washington. Not only was she a singer, but she was also a very successful session musician, and she was also known as a producer and successful businesswoman. She was best remembered for her 1957 cross over pop-country hit "Dark Moon." In the late 1950's, she started Dolton Records, which was the label that launched the careers of The Fleetwoods and The Ventures. Later, she was part owner of Jerden Records.
In the 1960's, she recorded for Dot Records and released a series of country music albums. Her first Top 10 country hit was "I'm Living in Two Worlds" which went to No. 9 on the charts. A number of singles followed including "A Woman in Love" which went to #4 on the charts in 1967, and would be her highest charted song. She followed that with Top 10 songs "Stop the Song" and "I Believe in Love" her final Top 10 recording, released in 1968. In the 1970's she recorded for Columbia Records and MCA Records with limited success. In 1980, she was back on the charts with "Honey on the Moon." She continued to perform until 1996, when Bonnie announced her retirement. However, in 2014, she began producing and writing music again. At the age of 92, she still occasionally performs on weekends with her band.
There you have it for this week. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!!
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Tuesday Night Opry 5/23 & Opry Country Classics 5/25
Each year, usually around Memorial Day, the Grand Ole Opry has a special Tuesday Night Opry where the Opry honors and "Salute the Troops." The highlight of this special show, where a red carpet is rolled out for the veterans, is a performance by the Musiccorps Wounded Warrior Band. This Tuesday night, May 23, will be that special night, which will feature an outstanding line-up of Opry members and guests who will be saluting those troops and wounded warriors.
7:00: Terri Clark; Dailey & Vincent; Paul Shaffer; Trace Adkins
Intermission
8:15: Musiccorps Wounded Warrior Band; Chris Young; Charlie Daniels Band
Opry Country Classics on May 25 will feature the music of Hall of Fame members, The Statler Brothers. Jimmy Fortune, a member of the group, along with Wilson Fairchild, will be among the guests.
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Dailey & Vincent
Also appearing: Janelle Arthur; Wilson Fairchild; Jimmy Fortune; William Michael Morgan
7:00: Terri Clark; Dailey & Vincent; Paul Shaffer; Trace Adkins
Intermission
8:15: Musiccorps Wounded Warrior Band; Chris Young; Charlie Daniels Band
Opry Country Classics on May 25 will feature the music of Hall of Fame members, The Statler Brothers. Jimmy Fortune, a member of the group, along with Wilson Fairchild, will be among the guests.
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Dailey & Vincent
Also appearing: Janelle Arthur; Wilson Fairchild; Jimmy Fortune; William Michael Morgan
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Grand Ole Opry 5/19 & 5/20
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the schedule for the shows this weekend, and there are three scheduled as Saturday night there will be two shows. Both nights have pretty solid line-ups.
Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for all three shows include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider (keeping his streak of appearing on every Friday and Saturday night show alive), The Whites and Riders In The Sky. Joining that group on Friday night will be Opry members Diamond Rio and Bobby Osborne. Bobby, of course, will be appearing on the segment hosted by Diamond Rio, as he does each time both are scheduled on the same show. Joining Jeannie, Mike, The Whites and Riders on Saturday night will be Connie Smith, Jesse McReynolds, and one of the Opry's newest members, Crystal Gayle. Much like Dailey & Vincent, it would appear that Crystal is starting off her Opry membership in fine style.
Guest artist on Friday night include the great Moe Bandy. Joining Moe will be comedian Gary Mule Deer, the group Exile, along with The Swon Brothers, Clare Dunn and Morgan Evans. Saturday nights guest list has The Swon Brothers returning, along with Americana singer Elizabeth Cook, Chris Carmack. Striking Matches and Charlie Nagatani, making what has pretty much become an annual appearance on the Opry. Hard to believe that this great country music entertainer from Japan is now 81 years old.
Friday May 19
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Clare Dunn; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Gary Mule Deer; Exile
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Moe Bandy; The Swon Brothers
8:45: Diamond Rio (host); Morgan Evans; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Saturday May 20
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Elizabeth Cook; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Swon Brothers
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Charlie Nagatani; Striking Matches; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Chris Carmack; Crystal Gayle
2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Elizabeth Cook; Mike Snider
10:00: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Swon Brothers
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Charlie Nagatani; Striking Matches; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Chris Carmack; Crystal Gayle
And yes, identical line-ups for both shows. Moe Bandy, who is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of May 18 & 19, 2007:
Friday May 18
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Daryle Singletary
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Nagatani; Megan Mullins
9:00: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Patty Loveless
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Gene Watson
Saturday May 19
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jeannie Seely
7:00: Marty Stuart (host); Patty Loveless; Opry Square Dancers; Dolly Parton; Porter Wagoner
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Mel Tillis
2nd show
9:30; Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; John Conlee; Mike Snider
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Patty Loveless; Opry Square Dancers; Dolly Parton; Porter Wagoner
11:00: Jean Shepard (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tillis
That Saturday night was very special as that was the night that Porter Wagoner was honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Porter Wagoner first reached the country music charts in 1954. During the course of his career, he had 81 charting singles, including 29 Top 10 records and three No. 1's. Such key hits as "Misery Loves Company," "I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand," "The Cold Hard Facts of Life," "The Carroll County Accident," and "Green, Green Grass of Home" were all deeply rooted, hard-country classics. Porter brought them, and country music, to a massive and often new audience, through the most modern means then available, syndicated television.
"The Porter Wagoner Show" ran for an amazing 21 years, beginning in 1961, and reached more than 100 television markets; it was one of the most influential programs in country music history. And it was on that show that he introduced the world at large to the talents of Dolly Parton. Their unsurpassed, soulful duets yielded 14 Top 10 hits between 1967 and 1974, winning a Grammy for their indelible version of Jack Clement's "Just Someone I Used to Know" in 1969 and three consecutive CMA awards as Duo of the Year.
Porter was hardly new to broadcasting when his own show took to the air; he'd been singing on local Missouri radio at 15, and learned TV ropes from Red Foley as an early regular on the Springfield, Missouri based "Ozark Jubilee" show during the 1950s. Legendary RCA A&R man Steve Sholes had so much faith in him as a young singer that he allowed him four years to experiment until he found that fresh and lasting Porter "combination and ingredients" style. Porter continued to record, right up to his final year as he released "Wagonmaster," produced by Marty Stuart. His much read autobiography, "A Satisfied Mind: The Country Music Life of Porter Wagoner," tells a compelling story, but seems to keep needing new chapters. A moving and engaging singer and Opry host, always the showman, he was one of the Opry's most visible treasures.
Porter was born on August 12, 1927 in West Plains, Missouri. In 2002, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, an honor that should have taken place years earlier. While he was honored on that Saturday night in May, Porter's actual Opry induction date was February 23, 1957, however ill health forced the postponement of honoring Porter. Sadly, Porter would pass away later that same year, October 28, 2007 from lung cancer. For those of us who remember seeing and watching the show that May night, it was one of the best hours that the Opry has produced.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 25 years ago, the weekend of May 22 & 23, 1992:
Friday May 22
1st show
6:30: Tom T Hall (host); Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis; Billy Walker; Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jeannie Seely; Osborne Brothers; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jim and Jesse; Connie Smith; Justin Tubb
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; The Whites; Mike Snider
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Jan Howard; The 4 Guys
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jim Ed Brown; Osborne Brothers; David Houston; Jeanne Pruett
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Tom T Hall
10:30; Jimmy Dickens (host); Ray Pillow; Jim and Jesse; Hank Locklin; The Carlisles
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Connie Smith; The Whites; Jimmy C Newman
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
12:05; Reverend Jimmie Snow
Saturday May 23
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Jimmy C Newman; Jack Greene; Wilma Lee Cooper
7:30: Tom T Hall (host); The Whites; Stu Phillips; Martina McBride
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Anderson; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Osborne Brothers; Jim Ed Brown; The 4 Guys; Hank Locklin
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; David Houston; Tom T Hall
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Charlie Walker; Roy Drusky
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Mike Snider
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Ray Pillow; The Carlisles
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Martina McBride; Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Osborne Brothers; Justin Tubb; The Whites; Jack Greene
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Hank Locklin; The 4 Guys
That was the posted line-up from that night. The only change was Justin Tubb cancelling.
Finally, going back 50 years to Saturday May 20, 1967:
7:30: Cordite
Bobby Lord (host): On & On Goes the Hurt
Willis Brothers: Bob
Bob Luman: You Can Take the Boy from the Country
Bill Carlisle: Rough Stuff
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Ernie Ashworth: The D.J. Cried
Margie Bowes: Big City
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders In the Sky
Bobby Lord: Out Behind the Barn
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Salty Dog Blues
Charlie Louvin: Apartment No. 9
Grandpa Jones: Root, Hog, Root
George Hamilton IV: Urge for Going
Flatt & Scruggs: Roustabout
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Connie Smith: I'll Come Runnin'
Flatt & Scruggs: Nashville Cats
Paul Warren: Katy Hill
8:30: Stephens
Hank Locklin (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Jean Shepard: Life Turned Him that Way
Glaser Brothers: Gone on the Other Hand
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Lonzo & Oscar: I'm Getting the Hang of it Now
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Hank Locklin: Nashville Women
9:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Just a Friend
George Morgan: I Couldn't See
Wilma Lee Cooper: You're Never Very Far from My Mind
4 Guys: Walk Thru this World With Me
Roy Acuff: The End of the World
Marion Worth: Especially You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
9:30: Kellogg's
Jim Ed Brown host): You Can Have Her
Willis Brothers: I Still Do
Ray Pillow: Thank You, Ma'am
Calhoun Twins: A Bad Girl Is A Good Enough for Me
Jim Ed Brown: The Love of the Common People
Harold Weakley: Pain A Picture of My World
Ray Pillow: (?)
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Bill Carlisle: What Kinda Deal is This
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
Ernie Ashworth: I'm Just an Empty Place
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
10:15: Pure
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Don't Get Above Your Raisings
Grandpa Jones: Dark As A Dungeon
Margie Bowes: When Its Over
Glaser Brothers: A Girl Like You
Flatt & Scruggs: It Was Only the Wind
10:30: Buckley's
Charlie Louvin (host): On the Other Hand
Connie Smith: Love's Gonna Live Here
Bob Luman: Memphis
Connie Smith: The Family Bible
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby/My Baby's Gone
10:45: Kent
George Morgan (host): Look at the Lonely
Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy
Norma Gale: Ava Marie
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
11:00: Coca-Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: The Birds are Back to Sing
4 Guys: Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Roy Acuff: Lonely Mound of Clay
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Sam McGee: These Boots are Made for Walking
Onie Wheeler: I Saw Mom with God Last Night
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): No Tears, Milady
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me, I'm Falling
Jim Ed Brown: Hold Me; Thrill Me; Kiss Me
Don Winters: Jambalaya
Marion Worth: I Can't Help It
Ray Pillow: Ride, Ride, Ride
Marty Robbins: The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight/Begging to You/Don't Worry
Norma Gale appeared on the 10:45 segment in place of Justin Tubb. So who was Norma Gale? She was a country music artist from Moncton, New Brunswick who was inducted into the New Brunswick Country Hall of Fame on October 25, 2008. She was born in Moncton in 1945 and was a Gold Record recording artist and songwriter. She began her career at age 12, singing at local jamborees for 50 cents a night, During her early career, she appeared on several occasions on The Bunkhouse Boys TV show and as a full time vocalist with Val Surette and The Night Hawks & Roger Cormier's Brunswick Playboys. After winning a talent contest with her sister Linda, she became a regular vocalist on a local radio station and appeared on TV before she was 18. She became a popular bass player and performer with country music artists such as Bobby Bare, Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, Dottie West, Loretta Lynn, Bill Anderson and many others at the famous Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. She appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on two occasions in 1967-68. Norma traveled the world and entertained in 40 states, Greenland, Philippines, Japan, Viet Nam and Korea. In the 1990s, Norma was a bass player and singer in the famous June Pasher Band in Toronto and performed for several years every Saturday afternoon at OV's Country Club, until the untimely death of June in 2002. Norma then moved on with her own popular band, Norma Gale & Friends until ill health forced her to retire. Norma had two albums during her long career, "January, April and Me" and "April's Food Cake." She was awarded two gold albums from the recording industry, attaining 55,000 copies for each album. She also had a number of single releases, including "The Wedding," "Too Much of You," "So Far From You," "My Picture Province," and "What More Can I Say." While not making much of an impact in the United States, Norma Gale had a pretty solid, and busy career in Canada.
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry!!
Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for all three shows include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider (keeping his streak of appearing on every Friday and Saturday night show alive), The Whites and Riders In The Sky. Joining that group on Friday night will be Opry members Diamond Rio and Bobby Osborne. Bobby, of course, will be appearing on the segment hosted by Diamond Rio, as he does each time both are scheduled on the same show. Joining Jeannie, Mike, The Whites and Riders on Saturday night will be Connie Smith, Jesse McReynolds, and one of the Opry's newest members, Crystal Gayle. Much like Dailey & Vincent, it would appear that Crystal is starting off her Opry membership in fine style.
Guest artist on Friday night include the great Moe Bandy. Joining Moe will be comedian Gary Mule Deer, the group Exile, along with The Swon Brothers, Clare Dunn and Morgan Evans. Saturday nights guest list has The Swon Brothers returning, along with Americana singer Elizabeth Cook, Chris Carmack. Striking Matches and Charlie Nagatani, making what has pretty much become an annual appearance on the Opry. Hard to believe that this great country music entertainer from Japan is now 81 years old.
Friday May 19
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Clare Dunn; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Gary Mule Deer; Exile
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Moe Bandy; The Swon Brothers
8:45: Diamond Rio (host); Morgan Evans; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Saturday May 20
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Elizabeth Cook; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Swon Brothers
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Charlie Nagatani; Striking Matches; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Chris Carmack; Crystal Gayle
2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Elizabeth Cook; Mike Snider
10:00: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Swon Brothers
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Charlie Nagatani; Striking Matches; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Chris Carmack; Crystal Gayle
And yes, identical line-ups for both shows. Moe Bandy, who is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of May 18 & 19, 2007:
Friday May 18
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Daryle Singletary
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Nagatani; Megan Mullins
9:00: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Patty Loveless
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Gene Watson
Saturday May 19
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jeannie Seely
7:00: Marty Stuart (host); Patty Loveless; Opry Square Dancers; Dolly Parton; Porter Wagoner
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Mel Tillis
2nd show
9:30; Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; John Conlee; Mike Snider
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Patty Loveless; Opry Square Dancers; Dolly Parton; Porter Wagoner
11:00: Jean Shepard (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tillis
That Saturday night was very special as that was the night that Porter Wagoner was honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Porter Wagoner first reached the country music charts in 1954. During the course of his career, he had 81 charting singles, including 29 Top 10 records and three No. 1's. Such key hits as "Misery Loves Company," "I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand," "The Cold Hard Facts of Life," "The Carroll County Accident," and "Green, Green Grass of Home" were all deeply rooted, hard-country classics. Porter brought them, and country music, to a massive and often new audience, through the most modern means then available, syndicated television.
"The Porter Wagoner Show" ran for an amazing 21 years, beginning in 1961, and reached more than 100 television markets; it was one of the most influential programs in country music history. And it was on that show that he introduced the world at large to the talents of Dolly Parton. Their unsurpassed, soulful duets yielded 14 Top 10 hits between 1967 and 1974, winning a Grammy for their indelible version of Jack Clement's "Just Someone I Used to Know" in 1969 and three consecutive CMA awards as Duo of the Year.
Porter was hardly new to broadcasting when his own show took to the air; he'd been singing on local Missouri radio at 15, and learned TV ropes from Red Foley as an early regular on the Springfield, Missouri based "Ozark Jubilee" show during the 1950s. Legendary RCA A&R man Steve Sholes had so much faith in him as a young singer that he allowed him four years to experiment until he found that fresh and lasting Porter "combination and ingredients" style. Porter continued to record, right up to his final year as he released "Wagonmaster," produced by Marty Stuart. His much read autobiography, "A Satisfied Mind: The Country Music Life of Porter Wagoner," tells a compelling story, but seems to keep needing new chapters. A moving and engaging singer and Opry host, always the showman, he was one of the Opry's most visible treasures.
Porter was born on August 12, 1927 in West Plains, Missouri. In 2002, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, an honor that should have taken place years earlier. While he was honored on that Saturday night in May, Porter's actual Opry induction date was February 23, 1957, however ill health forced the postponement of honoring Porter. Sadly, Porter would pass away later that same year, October 28, 2007 from lung cancer. For those of us who remember seeing and watching the show that May night, it was one of the best hours that the Opry has produced.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 25 years ago, the weekend of May 22 & 23, 1992:
Friday May 22
1st show
6:30: Tom T Hall (host); Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis; Billy Walker; Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jeannie Seely; Osborne Brothers; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jim and Jesse; Connie Smith; Justin Tubb
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; The Whites; Mike Snider
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Jan Howard; The 4 Guys
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jim Ed Brown; Osborne Brothers; David Houston; Jeanne Pruett
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Tom T Hall
10:30; Jimmy Dickens (host); Ray Pillow; Jim and Jesse; Hank Locklin; The Carlisles
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Connie Smith; The Whites; Jimmy C Newman
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
12:05; Reverend Jimmie Snow
Saturday May 23
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Jimmy C Newman; Jack Greene; Wilma Lee Cooper
7:30: Tom T Hall (host); The Whites; Stu Phillips; Martina McBride
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Anderson; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Osborne Brothers; Jim Ed Brown; The 4 Guys; Hank Locklin
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; David Houston; Tom T Hall
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Charlie Walker; Roy Drusky
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Mike Snider
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Ray Pillow; The Carlisles
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Martina McBride; Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Osborne Brothers; Justin Tubb; The Whites; Jack Greene
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Hank Locklin; The 4 Guys
That was the posted line-up from that night. The only change was Justin Tubb cancelling.
Finally, going back 50 years to Saturday May 20, 1967:
7:30: Cordite
Bobby Lord (host): On & On Goes the Hurt
Willis Brothers: Bob
Bob Luman: You Can Take the Boy from the Country
Bill Carlisle: Rough Stuff
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Ernie Ashworth: The D.J. Cried
Margie Bowes: Big City
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders In the Sky
Bobby Lord: Out Behind the Barn
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Salty Dog Blues
Charlie Louvin: Apartment No. 9
Grandpa Jones: Root, Hog, Root
George Hamilton IV: Urge for Going
Flatt & Scruggs: Roustabout
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Connie Smith: I'll Come Runnin'
Flatt & Scruggs: Nashville Cats
Paul Warren: Katy Hill
8:30: Stephens
Hank Locklin (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Jean Shepard: Life Turned Him that Way
Glaser Brothers: Gone on the Other Hand
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Lonzo & Oscar: I'm Getting the Hang of it Now
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Hank Locklin: Nashville Women
9:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Just a Friend
George Morgan: I Couldn't See
Wilma Lee Cooper: You're Never Very Far from My Mind
4 Guys: Walk Thru this World With Me
Roy Acuff: The End of the World
Marion Worth: Especially You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
9:30: Kellogg's
Jim Ed Brown host): You Can Have Her
Willis Brothers: I Still Do
Ray Pillow: Thank You, Ma'am
Calhoun Twins: A Bad Girl Is A Good Enough for Me
Jim Ed Brown: The Love of the Common People
Harold Weakley: Pain A Picture of My World
Ray Pillow: (?)
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Bill Carlisle: What Kinda Deal is This
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
Ernie Ashworth: I'm Just an Empty Place
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
10:15: Pure
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Don't Get Above Your Raisings
Grandpa Jones: Dark As A Dungeon
Margie Bowes: When Its Over
Glaser Brothers: A Girl Like You
Flatt & Scruggs: It Was Only the Wind
10:30: Buckley's
Charlie Louvin (host): On the Other Hand
Connie Smith: Love's Gonna Live Here
Bob Luman: Memphis
Connie Smith: The Family Bible
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby/My Baby's Gone
10:45: Kent
George Morgan (host): Look at the Lonely
Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy
Norma Gale: Ava Marie
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
11:00: Coca-Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: The Birds are Back to Sing
4 Guys: Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Roy Acuff: Lonely Mound of Clay
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Sam McGee: These Boots are Made for Walking
Onie Wheeler: I Saw Mom with God Last Night
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): No Tears, Milady
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me, I'm Falling
Jim Ed Brown: Hold Me; Thrill Me; Kiss Me
Don Winters: Jambalaya
Marion Worth: I Can't Help It
Ray Pillow: Ride, Ride, Ride
Marty Robbins: The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight/Begging to You/Don't Worry
Norma Gale appeared on the 10:45 segment in place of Justin Tubb. So who was Norma Gale? She was a country music artist from Moncton, New Brunswick who was inducted into the New Brunswick Country Hall of Fame on October 25, 2008. She was born in Moncton in 1945 and was a Gold Record recording artist and songwriter. She began her career at age 12, singing at local jamborees for 50 cents a night, During her early career, she appeared on several occasions on The Bunkhouse Boys TV show and as a full time vocalist with Val Surette and The Night Hawks & Roger Cormier's Brunswick Playboys. After winning a talent contest with her sister Linda, she became a regular vocalist on a local radio station and appeared on TV before she was 18. She became a popular bass player and performer with country music artists such as Bobby Bare, Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, Dottie West, Loretta Lynn, Bill Anderson and many others at the famous Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. She appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on two occasions in 1967-68. Norma traveled the world and entertained in 40 states, Greenland, Philippines, Japan, Viet Nam and Korea. In the 1990s, Norma was a bass player and singer in the famous June Pasher Band in Toronto and performed for several years every Saturday afternoon at OV's Country Club, until the untimely death of June in 2002. Norma then moved on with her own popular band, Norma Gale & Friends until ill health forced her to retire. Norma had two albums during her long career, "January, April and Me" and "April's Food Cake." She was awarded two gold albums from the recording industry, attaining 55,000 copies for each album. She also had a number of single releases, including "The Wedding," "Too Much of You," "So Far From You," "My Picture Province," and "What More Can I Say." While not making much of an impact in the United States, Norma Gale had a pretty solid, and busy career in Canada.
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry!!
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Tuesday Night Opry 5/16 & Opry Country Classics 5/18
Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, May 16:
7:00: Larry Gatlin; The Whites
7:30: Jamie Lynn Spears; Montgomery Gentry
Intermission
8:15: Maddie & Tae; Lee Brice
8:45: Ricky Skaggs
Here is the line-up for Opry Country Classics, May 18:
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Craig Morgan
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers; Shenandoah; Mike Snider; Emily West
Very unusual to see Mike Snider on the Opry Country Classics show. I would have to look at the records, but this might be his first appearance on Thursday night; if not his first, then it has been a few years since he has been on.
7:00: Larry Gatlin; The Whites
7:30: Jamie Lynn Spears; Montgomery Gentry
Intermission
8:15: Maddie & Tae; Lee Brice
8:45: Ricky Skaggs
Here is the line-up for Opry Country Classics, May 18:
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Craig Morgan
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers; Shenandoah; Mike Snider; Emily West
Very unusual to see Mike Snider on the Opry Country Classics show. I would have to look at the records, but this might be his first appearance on Thursday night; if not his first, then it has been a few years since he has been on.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Grand Ole Opry 5/12 & 5/13
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Overall, pretty solid line-ups with a good variety of artists.
Opry members scheduled for both shows this weekend include Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider; Ricky Skaggs and Riders In The Sky. Joining that group on Friday night will be Joe Diffie, Connie Smith, Steve Wariner and Jesse McReynolds. while on Saturday The Whites, Bobby Osborne and Bill Anderson join the group.
Guesting both nights will be LOCASH. Joining then on Friday night will be Jackie Lee and Billy Ray Cyrus, while Saturday's guest artists include Mark Wills, Linda Davis, and Angaleena Presley, who will be signing in the Opry Shop. For those not familiar with Angaleena Presley, she is part of the group Pistol Annies, with Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe. The group, which put out several albums, is still technically together, although they really haven't done anything for several years.
Friday May 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Joe Diffie
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jackie Lee; LOCASH
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); Jesse McReynolds; Billy Ray Cyrus
Saturday May 13
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mark Wills; Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Linda Davis
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Angaleena Presley; Opry Square Dances
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); LOCASH
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 11 & 12, 2007:
Friday May 11
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Lee Brice
8:30: Pam Tillis (host); Jim Ed Brown; T. Bubba Bechtol
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Angela Hacker
9:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Buddy Jewell
Saturday May 12
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Cole Deggs & The Lonesome
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Aaron Tippin
7:30: Pam Tillis (host); Charlie Louvin; George Hamilton IV; T. Bubba Bechtol
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; John Anderson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tillis
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Cole Deggs & The Lonesome
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; T. Bubba Bechtol; Aaron Tippin
10:30: Pam Tillis (host); George Hamilton IV; John Anderson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tills
So who was Cole Deggs & The Lonesome? Well, they were formed in 2006 and included Cole Deggs, Shade Deggs, David Wallace, Jimmy Wallace and Brian Hayes. Before forming the band, Cole was a songwriter and had written songs for Kenny Chesney, Tracy Byrd, Andy Griggs and Gary Allan, among others. As to the group, they were signed to Columbia Records in 2007 and released their first album that same year. Their first single, "I Got More" made it up to #25 on the country charts, while their 2nd single, "Girl Next Store" failed to reach the Top 40. There was no 3rd single as the group was dropped by Columbia Records and the group disbanded.
Now from 25 years ago, here is the posted line-up from Friday & Saturday May 15 & 16, 1992:
Friday May 15
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Roy Drusky; Ray Pillow; Jim and Jesse; Justin Tubb
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The 4 Guys; Jack Greene; Jeanne Pruett; The Whites
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones; Connie Smith
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; George Hamilton IV; Mike Snider
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jan Howard; The Carlisles; Jeannie Seely
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Stonewall Jackson; The Whites; The 4 Guys
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Anderson; Ray Pillow; Ernie Ashworth
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Vic Willis Trio; Jack Greene; Mike Snider
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jan Howard; The Carlisles; Connie Smith
11:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeannie Seely; George Hamilton IV; Johnny Russell
12:05: Reverend Jimmie Snow
Saturday May 16
1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jan Howard
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeannie Seely; Mac Wiseman
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Louvin; Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Charlie Walker; George Hamilton IV; Wilma Lee Cooper
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jimmy Dickens; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Connie Smith; Roy Drusky; The 4 Guys; Skeeter Davis
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Stu Phillips; Ray Pillow; Mike Snider
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Mac Wiseman
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jack Greene
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Louvin
10:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman; The 4 Guys; The Carlisles
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell
(In the actual running of Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, Stu Phillips cancelled and Roy Drusky was moved into his spot on the 2nd show).
And now, here is the running order from 50 years ago, Saturday May 13, 1967. It was also the night that Merle Haggard made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
7:30: Cordite
Billy Walker (host): Oh, Lonesome Me
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Bob Luman: You Can Take the Boy from the Country
Margie Bowes: Making Believe
Billy Walker: Anything Your Heart Desires
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal is This
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Billy Walker: Del Rio
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Charlie Louvin: Here Comes Someone's Heartache
George Hamilton IV: Urge for Going
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Flatt & Scruggs: Nashville Cats
Ray Pillow: Six Days on the Road
Merle Haggard: The Bottle Let Me Down
Charlie Louvin: On the Other Hand
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: You're Never Very Far from My Mind
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once for Me
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Roy Acuff: Waltz of the Wind
Tommy Hunter: Fill Up My Cup of Disgrace
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: It Started Again
Wilburn Brothers: Roarin' Again
Howdy Forrester: (?)
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland
9:00: Luzianne
Porter Wagoner (host): 'Ol Slewfoot
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
The Browns: I'd Just be Fool Enough
Minnie Pearl: You Are My Sunshine
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life
Norma Jean: Conscience, Keep An Eye on Me Tonight
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Rumba Boogie
Jimmy C Newman: Louisiana Saturday Night
Marion Worth: Walk Thru This World
George Morgan: I Couldn't See
Hank Snow: My Mother
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Jimmy C Newman; Cry, Cry Darling
Hank Snow: Down at the Pawn Shop
10:00: Schick
Flatt & Scruggs (host): It was Only the Wind
Charlie Louvin: God Bless Her 'Cause She's My Mother
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make a Woman Lose Her Mind
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
10:15: Pure
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Bill Carlisle, Jr: Just to Satisfy You
Ray Pillow: Two Minus One Leaves Blue
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Howdy Forrester: (?)
10:30: Buckley's
Wilburn Brothers (host); The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight
Loretta Lynn: If You're Not Gone Too Long
Teddy Wilburn & Loretta Lynn: Sweet Thang
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
10:45: Kent
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): The Birds are Back to Sing
Bob Luman: Let's Think About Living
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Conscience, I'm Guilty
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Lost Indian
Hank Snow: The Runt
Sam McGee: Nine Pound Hammer
Tommy Hunter: In A Way
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Hank Snow: (?)
11:30: Lava
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Saturday Night
Marion Worth: Apartment No. 9
Merle Haggard: Days of Wine & Roses/Swinging Doors
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Marion Worth: Lose Talk
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
Jimmy C Newman: Dropping Out of Sight
Finally, it was on Saturday May 13, 1972 that the great Gene Watson made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: Billy Walker (host): Things
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: Gone Our Endless Love/Charlie's Shoes
6:45: Rudy's
Ray Pillow (host); Cinderella
Ernie Ashworth: Wanted Man
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it To Me Again
7:00: Luzianne
Bill Monroe (host): It's Mighty Dark for Me to Travel
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Don't Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes)
Louie Roberts: Old Time Religion
Bill Monroe: Kentucky Mandolin
Wilma Lee Cooper: Precious Memories
Louie Roberts: Release Me
Bill Monroe: John Henry/Shenandoah Breakdown
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): Long, Long Texas Road
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Stringbean: Ruby
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Roy Drusky: I Love the Way That You've Been Loving Me
Willis Brothers: Bob
Stringbean: Battle of New Orleans
Jerry Whitehurst: Java
Roy Drusky: Red, Red Wine
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Virginia
Onie Wheeler: Mother Prays Loud in Her Sleep
Howdy Forrester: (?)
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back to the Mountains/Cabin in Gloryland
8:30: Stephens
Wilburn Brothers (host): Roll Muddy River
Barbara Mandrell: Show Me
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Wilburn Brothers: Metals for Mothers
Barbara Mandrell: I Know My Lord Will Lead Me Home
4 Guys: Let There Be Peace
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders in the Sky
Del Wood: Gloryland March
Billy Walker: Gone Our Endless Love
Skeeter Willis: Maiden's Prayer
Del Wood: Standing Room Only
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes/Heartaches by the Number
10:00: Fender
Ray Pillow (host): Heart Over Mind
Wilma Lee Cooper: Leroy the Cripple Boy
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it to Me Again
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Birds are Back
10:15: Union 76
Bill Monroe (host): Little Joe
Louie Roberts: Old Time Religion
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Drusky (host): Alone With You
Stringbean: Roll On Buddy
Harold Weakley: Where No One Stands Alone
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home/Strangers
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Knob, Arkansas
Jean Shepard: Virginia
Crook Brothers: Soldier's Joy
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
11:00: Coca-Cola
Stu Phillips (host): Help Me Make It Through the Night
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Sam McGee: John Henry
Stu Phillips: Me & Bobby McGee
11:30: Elm Hill
Wilburn Brothers (host): It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That the Crow Told Me
Barbara Mandrell: Tonight My Baby's Coming Home
Gene Watson: Danny Boy/I Can't Help It
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Barbara Mandrell: Show Me
Wilburn Brothers: All We Have for You, Mom
While never becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Gene Watson has certainly made his fair share of Opry appearances over the years, more than many of the Opry's members. Gene, who turns 74 this year, has had 75 singles on the country charts, 23 of which went into the Top 10, and 6 that hit #1, including his first #1 in 1975 "Love in the Hot Afternoon." That was followed by "Paper Rosie," "Farewell Party," "Pick the Wildwood Flower," "Fourteen Caret Mind," and "You're Out Doing What I'm Here Doing Without." In 2002, Gene was elected to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Certainly a case can be made that Gene should receive serious consideration for the Country Music Hall of Fame, and many feel, such as I, that Gene should have been a member of the Opry years ago.
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. And a very Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms!!!!
Opry members scheduled for both shows this weekend include Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider; Ricky Skaggs and Riders In The Sky. Joining that group on Friday night will be Joe Diffie, Connie Smith, Steve Wariner and Jesse McReynolds. while on Saturday The Whites, Bobby Osborne and Bill Anderson join the group.
Guesting both nights will be LOCASH. Joining then on Friday night will be Jackie Lee and Billy Ray Cyrus, while Saturday's guest artists include Mark Wills, Linda Davis, and Angaleena Presley, who will be signing in the Opry Shop. For those not familiar with Angaleena Presley, she is part of the group Pistol Annies, with Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe. The group, which put out several albums, is still technically together, although they really haven't done anything for several years.
Friday May 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Joe Diffie
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jackie Lee; LOCASH
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); Jesse McReynolds; Billy Ray Cyrus
Saturday May 13
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mark Wills; Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Linda Davis
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Angaleena Presley; Opry Square Dances
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); LOCASH
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 11 & 12, 2007:
Friday May 11
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Lee Brice
8:30: Pam Tillis (host); Jim Ed Brown; T. Bubba Bechtol
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Angela Hacker
9:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Buddy Jewell
Saturday May 12
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Cole Deggs & The Lonesome
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Aaron Tippin
7:30: Pam Tillis (host); Charlie Louvin; George Hamilton IV; T. Bubba Bechtol
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; John Anderson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tillis
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Cole Deggs & The Lonesome
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; T. Bubba Bechtol; Aaron Tippin
10:30: Pam Tillis (host); George Hamilton IV; John Anderson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tills
So who was Cole Deggs & The Lonesome? Well, they were formed in 2006 and included Cole Deggs, Shade Deggs, David Wallace, Jimmy Wallace and Brian Hayes. Before forming the band, Cole was a songwriter and had written songs for Kenny Chesney, Tracy Byrd, Andy Griggs and Gary Allan, among others. As to the group, they were signed to Columbia Records in 2007 and released their first album that same year. Their first single, "I Got More" made it up to #25 on the country charts, while their 2nd single, "Girl Next Store" failed to reach the Top 40. There was no 3rd single as the group was dropped by Columbia Records and the group disbanded.
Now from 25 years ago, here is the posted line-up from Friday & Saturday May 15 & 16, 1992:
Friday May 15
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Roy Drusky; Ray Pillow; Jim and Jesse; Justin Tubb
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The 4 Guys; Jack Greene; Jeanne Pruett; The Whites
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones; Connie Smith
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; George Hamilton IV; Mike Snider
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jan Howard; The Carlisles; Jeannie Seely
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Stonewall Jackson; The Whites; The 4 Guys
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Anderson; Ray Pillow; Ernie Ashworth
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Vic Willis Trio; Jack Greene; Mike Snider
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jan Howard; The Carlisles; Connie Smith
11:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeannie Seely; George Hamilton IV; Johnny Russell
12:05: Reverend Jimmie Snow
Saturday May 16
1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jan Howard
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeannie Seely; Mac Wiseman
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Louvin; Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Charlie Walker; George Hamilton IV; Wilma Lee Cooper
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jimmy Dickens; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Connie Smith; Roy Drusky; The 4 Guys; Skeeter Davis
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Stu Phillips; Ray Pillow; Mike Snider
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Mac Wiseman
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jack Greene
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Louvin
10:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman; The 4 Guys; The Carlisles
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell
(In the actual running of Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, Stu Phillips cancelled and Roy Drusky was moved into his spot on the 2nd show).
And now, here is the running order from 50 years ago, Saturday May 13, 1967. It was also the night that Merle Haggard made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
7:30: Cordite
Billy Walker (host): Oh, Lonesome Me
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Bob Luman: You Can Take the Boy from the Country
Margie Bowes: Making Believe
Billy Walker: Anything Your Heart Desires
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal is This
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Billy Walker: Del Rio
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Charlie Louvin: Here Comes Someone's Heartache
George Hamilton IV: Urge for Going
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Flatt & Scruggs: Nashville Cats
Ray Pillow: Six Days on the Road
Merle Haggard: The Bottle Let Me Down
Charlie Louvin: On the Other Hand
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: You're Never Very Far from My Mind
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once for Me
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Roy Acuff: Waltz of the Wind
Tommy Hunter: Fill Up My Cup of Disgrace
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: It Started Again
Wilburn Brothers: Roarin' Again
Howdy Forrester: (?)
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland
9:00: Luzianne
Porter Wagoner (host): 'Ol Slewfoot
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
The Browns: I'd Just be Fool Enough
Minnie Pearl: You Are My Sunshine
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life
Norma Jean: Conscience, Keep An Eye on Me Tonight
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Rumba Boogie
Jimmy C Newman: Louisiana Saturday Night
Marion Worth: Walk Thru This World
George Morgan: I Couldn't See
Hank Snow: My Mother
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Jimmy C Newman; Cry, Cry Darling
Hank Snow: Down at the Pawn Shop
10:00: Schick
Flatt & Scruggs (host): It was Only the Wind
Charlie Louvin: God Bless Her 'Cause She's My Mother
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make a Woman Lose Her Mind
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
10:15: Pure
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Bill Carlisle, Jr: Just to Satisfy You
Ray Pillow: Two Minus One Leaves Blue
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Howdy Forrester: (?)
10:30: Buckley's
Wilburn Brothers (host); The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight
Loretta Lynn: If You're Not Gone Too Long
Teddy Wilburn & Loretta Lynn: Sweet Thang
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
10:45: Kent
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): The Birds are Back to Sing
Bob Luman: Let's Think About Living
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Conscience, I'm Guilty
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Lost Indian
Hank Snow: The Runt
Sam McGee: Nine Pound Hammer
Tommy Hunter: In A Way
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Hank Snow: (?)
11:30: Lava
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Saturday Night
Marion Worth: Apartment No. 9
Merle Haggard: Days of Wine & Roses/Swinging Doors
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Marion Worth: Lose Talk
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
Jimmy C Newman: Dropping Out of Sight
Finally, it was on Saturday May 13, 1972 that the great Gene Watson made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: Billy Walker (host): Things
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: Gone Our Endless Love/Charlie's Shoes
6:45: Rudy's
Ray Pillow (host); Cinderella
Ernie Ashworth: Wanted Man
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it To Me Again
7:00: Luzianne
Bill Monroe (host): It's Mighty Dark for Me to Travel
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Don't Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes)
Louie Roberts: Old Time Religion
Bill Monroe: Kentucky Mandolin
Wilma Lee Cooper: Precious Memories
Louie Roberts: Release Me
Bill Monroe: John Henry/Shenandoah Breakdown
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): Long, Long Texas Road
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Stringbean: Ruby
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Roy Drusky: I Love the Way That You've Been Loving Me
Willis Brothers: Bob
Stringbean: Battle of New Orleans
Jerry Whitehurst: Java
Roy Drusky: Red, Red Wine
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Virginia
Onie Wheeler: Mother Prays Loud in Her Sleep
Howdy Forrester: (?)
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back to the Mountains/Cabin in Gloryland
8:30: Stephens
Wilburn Brothers (host): Roll Muddy River
Barbara Mandrell: Show Me
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Wilburn Brothers: Metals for Mothers
Barbara Mandrell: I Know My Lord Will Lead Me Home
4 Guys: Let There Be Peace
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders in the Sky
Del Wood: Gloryland March
Billy Walker: Gone Our Endless Love
Skeeter Willis: Maiden's Prayer
Del Wood: Standing Room Only
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes/Heartaches by the Number
10:00: Fender
Ray Pillow (host): Heart Over Mind
Wilma Lee Cooper: Leroy the Cripple Boy
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it to Me Again
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Birds are Back
10:15: Union 76
Bill Monroe (host): Little Joe
Louie Roberts: Old Time Religion
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Drusky (host): Alone With You
Stringbean: Roll On Buddy
Harold Weakley: Where No One Stands Alone
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home/Strangers
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Knob, Arkansas
Jean Shepard: Virginia
Crook Brothers: Soldier's Joy
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
11:00: Coca-Cola
Stu Phillips (host): Help Me Make It Through the Night
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Sam McGee: John Henry
Stu Phillips: Me & Bobby McGee
11:30: Elm Hill
Wilburn Brothers (host): It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That the Crow Told Me
Barbara Mandrell: Tonight My Baby's Coming Home
Gene Watson: Danny Boy/I Can't Help It
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Barbara Mandrell: Show Me
Wilburn Brothers: All We Have for You, Mom
While never becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Gene Watson has certainly made his fair share of Opry appearances over the years, more than many of the Opry's members. Gene, who turns 74 this year, has had 75 singles on the country charts, 23 of which went into the Top 10, and 6 that hit #1, including his first #1 in 1975 "Love in the Hot Afternoon." That was followed by "Paper Rosie," "Farewell Party," "Pick the Wildwood Flower," "Fourteen Caret Mind," and "You're Out Doing What I'm Here Doing Without." In 2002, Gene was elected to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Certainly a case can be made that Gene should receive serious consideration for the Country Music Hall of Fame, and many feel, such as I, that Gene should have been a member of the Opry years ago.
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. And a very Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms!!!!
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Tuesday Night Opry 5/9 & Opry Country Classics 5/11
The Tuesday Night Opry will once again have two shows this week as the Opry continues to take advantage of the current popularity of the Opry. The Tuesday night shows feature two more appearances by the Opry's newest members, Dailey & Vincent, along with frequent guest Chris Janson.
1st show
7:00: Bill Anderson; Old Dominion
7:30: Charlie Worsham; Terri Clark
8:00: Dustin Lynch; Lauren Alaina
8:30: Dailey & Vincent; Chris Janson
2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson; Carly Pearce
10:00: Charlie Worsham; Terri Clark
10:30: Dustin Lynch; Lauren Alaina
11:00: Dailey & Vincent; Chris Janson
Opry Country Classics has lined up a very special spotlight artist for the show this week as Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee will be in the spotlight.
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Brenda Lee
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers; Jamie O'Neal; Restless Heart; Mark Wills
1st show
7:00: Bill Anderson; Old Dominion
7:30: Charlie Worsham; Terri Clark
8:00: Dustin Lynch; Lauren Alaina
8:30: Dailey & Vincent; Chris Janson
2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson; Carly Pearce
10:00: Charlie Worsham; Terri Clark
10:30: Dustin Lynch; Lauren Alaina
11:00: Dailey & Vincent; Chris Janson
Opry Country Classics has lined up a very special spotlight artist for the show this week as Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee will be in the spotlight.
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Brenda Lee
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers; Jamie O'Neal; Restless Heart; Mark Wills
Sunday, May 7, 2017
May Opry Highlights
April showers bring May flowers!! If that is the case, there will be a lot of flowers around our place this summer as April was a showery month. Now that it is May, we truly are well into Spring and the promise of summer. As always, here are the important and historical events that have taken place during the month of May regarding the Grand Ole Opry, or its members:
May 1, 1894: One of the Opry's original members, Sam McGee was born. Sam first appeared on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. Over the years, Sam would appear with his brother Kirk, and as part of the Dixieliners and Fruit Jar Drinkers. Sam passed away in August 1975, following a tractor accident on his farm near Nashville.
May 12, 1901: The Duke of Paducah, Benjamin Francis Ford, was born in DeSoto, Missouri. This fine comedian joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1942, and remained a member of the Opry until 1959. Even though he gave up his Opry membership to move on to other opportunities, the Duke would continue to return for guest appearances, especially during the Opry's annual reunion shows. Benjamin Ford passed away in 1986, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 30, 1909: Lewis Crook, a member of the Crook Brothers, was born, While not an original member of the group, he performed with Herman Crook and the others, primarily backing up the square dancers. After Herman passed away, Lewis continued on at the Opry as part of the newly named Opry Square Dance Band. Lewis, who was a part of the Opry for over 50 years, passed away in 1997.
May 17, 1912: Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer Grant Turner was born. Grant joined the staff of WSM on D-Day, June 6, 1944. While the Opry has had many legendary announcers over the years, Grant is considered the Opry's best, so much so that he was called "The Dean of the Opry's Announcers." Grant remained an Opry announcer until his death on October 19, 1991, just hours after finishing his work on the Friday Night Opry. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, was with WSM for 47 years.
May 30, 1912: Alcyone Bate Beasley was born. Alcyone was there when it all started in November 1925, performing with her father's group, Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters. After his death in 1936, Alcyone worked to keep the Possum Hunters together, but it was a struggle as the Opry moved to a more professional and modern sound. By the 1960s, the Possum Hunters had been merged with the Crook Brothers. In the 1970s, after over 45 years on the Opry, Alcyone went into semi-retirement, after which she became a fixture at the Opry's annual reunion shows. She passed away in October 1982.
May 9, 1914: The legendary Singing Ranger, Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Hank joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1950 and would remain one of the Opry's biggest stars until his death in December 1999, just weeks short of his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1979, Hank was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 1, 1926: Uncle Dave Macon joined the cast of the WSM Barn Dance. Uncle Dave was considered the first professional musician to join the cast of the Barn Dance, and he would remain with the show until his death in March 1952. Uncle Dave was a popular Opry member, who always considered himself just a plain old country boy. In 1966, he was one of the early members to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 1, 1928: Former Grand Ole Opry member, James Hugh Loden was born. Better known as Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman, he was an Opry member for a few years in the 1960s. A true country legend, Sonny is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 25, 1936: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T Hall was born. Much like Abe Lincoln. Tom T was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tom T originally joined the Opry on January 1, 1971. He left the Opry in March 1974, when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland. In 1980, he returned as an Opry member. At the age of 81, Tom T is now retired.
May 31, 1938: Donald Lytle was born in Greenfield, Ohio. Early in his career, he decided upon the name Johnny Paycheck and spent the early part of his career as a band member for Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, George Jones and Faron Young. Once he became a star in his own right, Johnny became one of the first to be considered a country "outlaw." He experienced some pretty serious issues in his life and spent some time in prison. However in 1997, thanks to some help from his friend Johnny Russell, he was asked to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, just a few years after becoming an Opry member, his health declined and his performing career ended. Johnny passed away in February 2003.
May 2, 1948: Grand Ole Opry member Larry Gatlin was born. Along with his brothers Steve and Rudy, Larry joined the cast of the Opry on Christmas Day 1976. In recent years, Larry has been performing pretty regularly at the Opry and has become the primary host of Opry Country Classics, which takes place at the Ryman Auditorium during the Spring and Fall months.
May 29, 1950: Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters, which consisted of Anita, Helen and June, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. When the Carters joined the cast, they also brought along Chet Atkins as their guitar player. For Chet, it was a return to the show as he had originally appeared on the show in the 1940s with Red Foley. While the Carter Sisters would come and go, Mother Maybelle remained with the Opry until the late 1960s. Later in her career, and similar to the experience of other veteran Opry members such as Sam and Kirk McGee, she would complain to the Opry's management about her poorly timed spots and a general lack of respect. When she finally did decide to leave the Opry, it was to become a permanent member of Johnny Cash's road show.
May 16, 1953: Jimmy Dean made his Grand Ole Opry debut, introduced that night by Opry member Carl Smith. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would make occasional Opry appearances throughout his career, including on the night that Jimmy Dickens was honored on his 50th anniversary as an Opry member.
May 23, 1953: Singing "Mexican Joe" future Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves made his Opry debut.
May 21, 1955: While several dates are listed, it would appear that this was the date that Opry member Webb Pierce quit the Opry. He was an Opry member for just three years, but over that time he realized pretty fast how much money he was losing by not being out on the road on Saturday nights. In addition to his Hall of Fame career, Webb was also involved in the music publishing business.
May 11, 1957: Don and Phil, the Everly Brothers, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. They, along with a few others, were brought in as part of a youth movement in an attempt to capture the younger crowd who were not coming to the Opry. They were with the Opry for only a year before moving on. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 18, 1957: Just weeks after the Everly Brothers, Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their Opry debut.
May 20, 1958: Don Gibson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. A fantastic songwriter, Don was an Opry member until December 1964, when he was fired from the cast for not making the required number of Opry appearances. Several years later, Don rejoined the Opry after the attendance requirements were lowered. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, Don remained an Opry member until his death in 2003 after a period of declining health.
May 1, 1960: The WLS National Barn Dance, one of the Opry's early competitors, came to an end as WLS in Chicago changed formats. The Barn Dance originally started on April 19, 1924, a year prior to the start of the Opry.
May 13, 1967: Merle Haggard made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Merle came to the Opry a few times, the last being in October 2015, when he made a surprise appearance on the show.
May 8, 1968: Grand Ole Opry founder George D. Hay passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started the WSM Barn Dance in November 1925, several months after joining WSM as the Radio Director. After he started the show, he would frequently clash with WSM management, particularly Harry and David Stone, over the direction of the show. He wanted to keep the Opry "close to the ground" while the Stone's saw the value of the Opry to National Life and WSM and wanted the show to take a more professional approach. Over the years, Hay would suffer periods of ill health and by the time he retired from WSM, he was primarily an announcer with little creative control regarding the show. On Saturday May 11, the first Opry show following his death, Grant Turner paid tribute to him, saying, "He called himself the Solemn Old Judge. If he was solemn, it was only in the face of those who thought to change or corrupt the purity of the barn dance ballads he sought to preserve. We, the performers and friends of the Grand Ole Opry, salute the memory of one whose influence is felt on the stage of the Opry tonight-the Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay."
May 10, 1969: Stonewall Jackson rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall was another of the ones who were fired in December 1964 for failing to fulfill the Opry's attendance requirements. Stonewall originally joined the cast in November 1956 and this past November he was recognized by the Opry for being an Opry member 60 years.
May 1, 1971: Tex Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody, made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He originally came to the Opry in 1937 with Roy Acuff and later performed with Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys. Later in his career, he appeared with Lonzo & Oscar, in addition to his solo performances. While not always remember, Cousin Jody was Roy Acuff's original dobro player, replaced by Brother Oswald when he left Roy's group. He left the Opry due to his declining health.
May 13, 1972: Gene Watson made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Gene has actually appeared on the Opry more times than many of the Opry's members. I have been asked many times why Gene never became an Opry member, and it is a question that I have no answer for.
May 22, 1977: In honor of Victoria Day, a national holiday in Canada, the Opry held a special matinee show dedicated to the fans of the Opry from the country up North.
May 11, 1979: Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville at the age of 64. Lester had been in declining health for a number of years. Lester first came to the Opry as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, later joining with Earl Scruggs to form Flatt & Scruggs. After splitting with Earl, Lester continued as an Opry member, sticking to traditional bluegrass and traditionally hosting the segment hosted by Martha White.
May 15, 1982: Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 35th year as an Opry member. Ricky always dreamed of becoming an Opry member and he has always taken his Opry membership seriously. As Ricky said, "I don't ever, ever want to get to the point where I don't come and play the Opry, while I feel like I'm too good to play the Opry. Mr. Acuff said that I would do that. He said you'll get so big you'll do like all the rest of them. And I said, you don't know me. You just watch and see, I'm not made that way. I didn't join the Opry for that." After that, whenever Ricky played the Opry, he would always make it a point to find Roy and tell him that he was indeed there. And yes, there have been a few bumps in the road, but overall, Ricky has been good for the Opry.
May 26, 1984: Onie Wheeler, a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, died of a heart attack while performing on the Grand Ole Gospel radio program that followed the Friday Night Opry.
May 3, 1986: Barbara Mandrell returned to the Opry for the first time following her near fatal car accident.
May 4, 1991: Travis Tritt made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, in February 1992, Travis would become an Opry member.
May 1, 1993: Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Charley's 24th year as an Opry member. Charley first appeared as a guest on the Opry in the late 1960s. Over the following years, Charley was asked numerous times if he was interested in becoming a member of the Opry, but he always declined due to his heavy touring schedule and the fact that he seldom came to Nashville. In 1993, he finally felt that the time was right and he joined the cast.
May 11, 1996: Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Steve first came to the Opry as a member of Dottie West's band, before branching out with his own career. This will be Steve's 21st year as a member of the Opry's cast.
May 31, 1997: Lee Ann Womack made her first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Lee Ann would make guest appearances on the show.
May 9, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn made his final appearance on the Opry. Teddy and his brother Doyle, along with other family members, had first appeared on the Opry in 1940 before being forced to leave the show due to child labor laws. In the 1950s, they returned to the Opry as members, with Teddy and Doyle performing as a duo until Doyle's death from cancer in 1982. Teddy continued as a solo member of the Opry, although over time he would reduce his appearances. Health issues forced Teddy to retire from performing and he passed away in November 2003.
May 15, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck made his final appearance on the Opry. Health issues forced Johnny to retire from performing.
May 5, 2001: Blake Shelton made his debut as a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next decade, Blake would continue to appear once in a while on the Opry, eventually joining the cast in the fall of 2010.
May 21, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Billy Walker, along with his wife Bettie and two members of his band, were killed in a traffic accident on their way back to Nashville after an appearance in Alabama. Billy had joined the Opry in 1960.
May 19, 2007: Porter Wagoner celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was joined that night by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Marty Stuart and Buck Trent. Marty hosted the televised segment and it marked the final time that Porter and Dolly shared the stage together. Dolly sang a very emotional "I Will Always Love You," which she wrote dedicated to Porter and on that night, it brought tears to Porter's eyes. Porter, who was already in declining health, would pass away in October. And yes, 10 years after his death, Porter is still missed at the Opry.
May 10, 2008: Carrie Underwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 9th year as an Opry member. On the night of her induction, Garth Brooks surprised Carrie and the Opry crowd by making a special appearance to induct Carrie. I know I have said it before, but Carrie takes her Opry membership seriously and even with her busy schedule, she has always managed to get in the 10 appearances each year asked of her.
May 30, 2009: Comedian, actor and banjo player Steve Martin made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, leading an all-star band performing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." If you have never seen or heard Steve play the banjo, he is fantastic and takes it very seriously.
May 1, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House sustained major damage when the Cumberland River flooded during heavy rains that hit the Nashville area. The Opry House, Acuff Theater, Opry Museum and Opry Mills Mall all were closed due to the damage. The Acuff Theater was torn down, the Museum has never reopened and it took the Mall years to get repaired. In the case of the Opry House, it took until September for the auditorium to be reopened. When it did, it was a star-studded Tuesday Night Opry with Bill Anderson hosting the opening segment. This was fitting as it was Bill that had hosted the final Saturday night segment the night prior to the flood. And even though the Opry House was closed due to the flood, the Opry did not miss one performance as the show relocated to various buildings around Nashville.
May 3, 2011: Alabama made a guest appearance on the Opry, 29 years after they first appeared on the Opry. They were joined on stage that night by Opry member Brad Paisley, and together they sang, "Old Alabama" and "Tennessee River."
May 18, 2013: Retired Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made a surprise appearance at the Opry. She did not sing, but came out on stage and waved to the audience.
May 1, 1894: One of the Opry's original members, Sam McGee was born. Sam first appeared on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. Over the years, Sam would appear with his brother Kirk, and as part of the Dixieliners and Fruit Jar Drinkers. Sam passed away in August 1975, following a tractor accident on his farm near Nashville.
May 12, 1901: The Duke of Paducah, Benjamin Francis Ford, was born in DeSoto, Missouri. This fine comedian joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1942, and remained a member of the Opry until 1959. Even though he gave up his Opry membership to move on to other opportunities, the Duke would continue to return for guest appearances, especially during the Opry's annual reunion shows. Benjamin Ford passed away in 1986, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 30, 1909: Lewis Crook, a member of the Crook Brothers, was born, While not an original member of the group, he performed with Herman Crook and the others, primarily backing up the square dancers. After Herman passed away, Lewis continued on at the Opry as part of the newly named Opry Square Dance Band. Lewis, who was a part of the Opry for over 50 years, passed away in 1997.
May 17, 1912: Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer Grant Turner was born. Grant joined the staff of WSM on D-Day, June 6, 1944. While the Opry has had many legendary announcers over the years, Grant is considered the Opry's best, so much so that he was called "The Dean of the Opry's Announcers." Grant remained an Opry announcer until his death on October 19, 1991, just hours after finishing his work on the Friday Night Opry. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, was with WSM for 47 years.
May 30, 1912: Alcyone Bate Beasley was born. Alcyone was there when it all started in November 1925, performing with her father's group, Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters. After his death in 1936, Alcyone worked to keep the Possum Hunters together, but it was a struggle as the Opry moved to a more professional and modern sound. By the 1960s, the Possum Hunters had been merged with the Crook Brothers. In the 1970s, after over 45 years on the Opry, Alcyone went into semi-retirement, after which she became a fixture at the Opry's annual reunion shows. She passed away in October 1982.
May 9, 1914: The legendary Singing Ranger, Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Hank joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1950 and would remain one of the Opry's biggest stars until his death in December 1999, just weeks short of his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1979, Hank was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 1, 1926: Uncle Dave Macon joined the cast of the WSM Barn Dance. Uncle Dave was considered the first professional musician to join the cast of the Barn Dance, and he would remain with the show until his death in March 1952. Uncle Dave was a popular Opry member, who always considered himself just a plain old country boy. In 1966, he was one of the early members to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 1, 1928: Former Grand Ole Opry member, James Hugh Loden was born. Better known as Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman, he was an Opry member for a few years in the 1960s. A true country legend, Sonny is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 25, 1936: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T Hall was born. Much like Abe Lincoln. Tom T was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tom T originally joined the Opry on January 1, 1971. He left the Opry in March 1974, when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland. In 1980, he returned as an Opry member. At the age of 81, Tom T is now retired.
May 31, 1938: Donald Lytle was born in Greenfield, Ohio. Early in his career, he decided upon the name Johnny Paycheck and spent the early part of his career as a band member for Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, George Jones and Faron Young. Once he became a star in his own right, Johnny became one of the first to be considered a country "outlaw." He experienced some pretty serious issues in his life and spent some time in prison. However in 1997, thanks to some help from his friend Johnny Russell, he was asked to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, just a few years after becoming an Opry member, his health declined and his performing career ended. Johnny passed away in February 2003.
May 2, 1948: Grand Ole Opry member Larry Gatlin was born. Along with his brothers Steve and Rudy, Larry joined the cast of the Opry on Christmas Day 1976. In recent years, Larry has been performing pretty regularly at the Opry and has become the primary host of Opry Country Classics, which takes place at the Ryman Auditorium during the Spring and Fall months.
May 29, 1950: Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters, which consisted of Anita, Helen and June, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. When the Carters joined the cast, they also brought along Chet Atkins as their guitar player. For Chet, it was a return to the show as he had originally appeared on the show in the 1940s with Red Foley. While the Carter Sisters would come and go, Mother Maybelle remained with the Opry until the late 1960s. Later in her career, and similar to the experience of other veteran Opry members such as Sam and Kirk McGee, she would complain to the Opry's management about her poorly timed spots and a general lack of respect. When she finally did decide to leave the Opry, it was to become a permanent member of Johnny Cash's road show.
May 16, 1953: Jimmy Dean made his Grand Ole Opry debut, introduced that night by Opry member Carl Smith. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would make occasional Opry appearances throughout his career, including on the night that Jimmy Dickens was honored on his 50th anniversary as an Opry member.
May 23, 1953: Singing "Mexican Joe" future Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves made his Opry debut.
May 21, 1955: While several dates are listed, it would appear that this was the date that Opry member Webb Pierce quit the Opry. He was an Opry member for just three years, but over that time he realized pretty fast how much money he was losing by not being out on the road on Saturday nights. In addition to his Hall of Fame career, Webb was also involved in the music publishing business.
May 11, 1957: Don and Phil, the Everly Brothers, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. They, along with a few others, were brought in as part of a youth movement in an attempt to capture the younger crowd who were not coming to the Opry. They were with the Opry for only a year before moving on. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 18, 1957: Just weeks after the Everly Brothers, Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their Opry debut.
May 20, 1958: Don Gibson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. A fantastic songwriter, Don was an Opry member until December 1964, when he was fired from the cast for not making the required number of Opry appearances. Several years later, Don rejoined the Opry after the attendance requirements were lowered. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, Don remained an Opry member until his death in 2003 after a period of declining health.
May 1, 1960: The WLS National Barn Dance, one of the Opry's early competitors, came to an end as WLS in Chicago changed formats. The Barn Dance originally started on April 19, 1924, a year prior to the start of the Opry.
May 13, 1967: Merle Haggard made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Merle came to the Opry a few times, the last being in October 2015, when he made a surprise appearance on the show.
May 8, 1968: Grand Ole Opry founder George D. Hay passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started the WSM Barn Dance in November 1925, several months after joining WSM as the Radio Director. After he started the show, he would frequently clash with WSM management, particularly Harry and David Stone, over the direction of the show. He wanted to keep the Opry "close to the ground" while the Stone's saw the value of the Opry to National Life and WSM and wanted the show to take a more professional approach. Over the years, Hay would suffer periods of ill health and by the time he retired from WSM, he was primarily an announcer with little creative control regarding the show. On Saturday May 11, the first Opry show following his death, Grant Turner paid tribute to him, saying, "He called himself the Solemn Old Judge. If he was solemn, it was only in the face of those who thought to change or corrupt the purity of the barn dance ballads he sought to preserve. We, the performers and friends of the Grand Ole Opry, salute the memory of one whose influence is felt on the stage of the Opry tonight-the Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay."
May 10, 1969: Stonewall Jackson rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall was another of the ones who were fired in December 1964 for failing to fulfill the Opry's attendance requirements. Stonewall originally joined the cast in November 1956 and this past November he was recognized by the Opry for being an Opry member 60 years.
May 1, 1971: Tex Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody, made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He originally came to the Opry in 1937 with Roy Acuff and later performed with Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys. Later in his career, he appeared with Lonzo & Oscar, in addition to his solo performances. While not always remember, Cousin Jody was Roy Acuff's original dobro player, replaced by Brother Oswald when he left Roy's group. He left the Opry due to his declining health.
May 13, 1972: Gene Watson made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Gene has actually appeared on the Opry more times than many of the Opry's members. I have been asked many times why Gene never became an Opry member, and it is a question that I have no answer for.
May 22, 1977: In honor of Victoria Day, a national holiday in Canada, the Opry held a special matinee show dedicated to the fans of the Opry from the country up North.
May 11, 1979: Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville at the age of 64. Lester had been in declining health for a number of years. Lester first came to the Opry as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, later joining with Earl Scruggs to form Flatt & Scruggs. After splitting with Earl, Lester continued as an Opry member, sticking to traditional bluegrass and traditionally hosting the segment hosted by Martha White.
May 15, 1982: Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 35th year as an Opry member. Ricky always dreamed of becoming an Opry member and he has always taken his Opry membership seriously. As Ricky said, "I don't ever, ever want to get to the point where I don't come and play the Opry, while I feel like I'm too good to play the Opry. Mr. Acuff said that I would do that. He said you'll get so big you'll do like all the rest of them. And I said, you don't know me. You just watch and see, I'm not made that way. I didn't join the Opry for that." After that, whenever Ricky played the Opry, he would always make it a point to find Roy and tell him that he was indeed there. And yes, there have been a few bumps in the road, but overall, Ricky has been good for the Opry.
May 26, 1984: Onie Wheeler, a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, died of a heart attack while performing on the Grand Ole Gospel radio program that followed the Friday Night Opry.
May 3, 1986: Barbara Mandrell returned to the Opry for the first time following her near fatal car accident.
May 4, 1991: Travis Tritt made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, in February 1992, Travis would become an Opry member.
May 1, 1993: Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Charley's 24th year as an Opry member. Charley first appeared as a guest on the Opry in the late 1960s. Over the following years, Charley was asked numerous times if he was interested in becoming a member of the Opry, but he always declined due to his heavy touring schedule and the fact that he seldom came to Nashville. In 1993, he finally felt that the time was right and he joined the cast.
May 11, 1996: Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Steve first came to the Opry as a member of Dottie West's band, before branching out with his own career. This will be Steve's 21st year as a member of the Opry's cast.
May 31, 1997: Lee Ann Womack made her first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Lee Ann would make guest appearances on the show.
May 9, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn made his final appearance on the Opry. Teddy and his brother Doyle, along with other family members, had first appeared on the Opry in 1940 before being forced to leave the show due to child labor laws. In the 1950s, they returned to the Opry as members, with Teddy and Doyle performing as a duo until Doyle's death from cancer in 1982. Teddy continued as a solo member of the Opry, although over time he would reduce his appearances. Health issues forced Teddy to retire from performing and he passed away in November 2003.
May 15, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck made his final appearance on the Opry. Health issues forced Johnny to retire from performing.
May 5, 2001: Blake Shelton made his debut as a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next decade, Blake would continue to appear once in a while on the Opry, eventually joining the cast in the fall of 2010.
May 21, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Billy Walker, along with his wife Bettie and two members of his band, were killed in a traffic accident on their way back to Nashville after an appearance in Alabama. Billy had joined the Opry in 1960.
May 19, 2007: Porter Wagoner celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was joined that night by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Marty Stuart and Buck Trent. Marty hosted the televised segment and it marked the final time that Porter and Dolly shared the stage together. Dolly sang a very emotional "I Will Always Love You," which she wrote dedicated to Porter and on that night, it brought tears to Porter's eyes. Porter, who was already in declining health, would pass away in October. And yes, 10 years after his death, Porter is still missed at the Opry.
May 10, 2008: Carrie Underwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 9th year as an Opry member. On the night of her induction, Garth Brooks surprised Carrie and the Opry crowd by making a special appearance to induct Carrie. I know I have said it before, but Carrie takes her Opry membership seriously and even with her busy schedule, she has always managed to get in the 10 appearances each year asked of her.
May 30, 2009: Comedian, actor and banjo player Steve Martin made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, leading an all-star band performing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." If you have never seen or heard Steve play the banjo, he is fantastic and takes it very seriously.
May 1, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House sustained major damage when the Cumberland River flooded during heavy rains that hit the Nashville area. The Opry House, Acuff Theater, Opry Museum and Opry Mills Mall all were closed due to the damage. The Acuff Theater was torn down, the Museum has never reopened and it took the Mall years to get repaired. In the case of the Opry House, it took until September for the auditorium to be reopened. When it did, it was a star-studded Tuesday Night Opry with Bill Anderson hosting the opening segment. This was fitting as it was Bill that had hosted the final Saturday night segment the night prior to the flood. And even though the Opry House was closed due to the flood, the Opry did not miss one performance as the show relocated to various buildings around Nashville.
May 3, 2011: Alabama made a guest appearance on the Opry, 29 years after they first appeared on the Opry. They were joined on stage that night by Opry member Brad Paisley, and together they sang, "Old Alabama" and "Tennessee River."
May 18, 2013: Retired Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made a surprise appearance at the Opry. She did not sing, but came out on stage and waved to the audience.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Grand Ole Opry 5/5 & 5/6
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the three shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and two Grand Ole Opry shows on Saturday night featuring Opry member Brad Paisley. Brad will have the entire final segment on the 1st show to himself, along with the opening segment on the 2nd show. The ushers are really going to have their work cut out for them clearing the house after the 1st show and getting everyone in for the 2nd show.
As to the rest of the line-up this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members joining Brad on Saturday night include Mike Snider, Bill Anderson, Bobby Osborne and Connie Smith. Connie, Bill, and Mike are also scheduled on Friday night, where they will be joined by members Jesse McReynolds, Dailey & Vincent (again hosting a segment), Ricky Skaggs and The Whites.
It is really, really nice to see Rhonda Vincent guesting on both shows Saturday night. These will be her first Opry appearances since Dailey & Vincent joined the cast. Joining Rhonda on Saturday will be Ashley Campbell, Charles Esten, and making her Opry debut, Bailey Bryan.
Friday's guests include Exile, Wade Hayes, Kristian Bush, Jimmy Fortune (who will be signing copies of his new CD in the Opry Shop, and Devin Dawson, who will also be making his Opry debut.
Friday May 5
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider; Exile
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Devin Dawson
Intermission
8:15: Dailey & Vincent (host); Wade Hayes; Jimmy Fortune
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Kristian Bush
Saturday May 6
1st show
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Ashley Campbell; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Bailey Bryan
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Charles Esten; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Brad Paisley
2nd show
9:30: Brad Paisley
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Ashley Campbell; Rhonda Vincent
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Bailey Bryan; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Charles Esten
As mentioned, there are two individuals who will be making their Opry debut this weekend, Devin Dawson on the Friday Night Opry and Bailey Bryan on Saturday night.
Devin Dawson is described as a California native with deep country roots. He considers Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson and Marvin Gaye as his influences. Devin, who is 28, graduated from Belmont University and first made an impact in 2014, covering a Taylor Swift song with some success. "All on Me" is his debut single which he is touring in support of. That tour includes an appearance on Seth Meyer's late night show, and tour dates opening for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
As far as Bailey Bryan, she is another one of the artists on Rolling Stone's list of new country artists you need to know. She grew up in Sequim, Washington. She is a described as a storyteller with words and melodies that capture her generation, but are wisely crafted beyond her years. While she may have country roots, her music is diverse and unique with wide-spanned influences from the Dixie Chicks to Drake to Red Hot Chili Peppers and has opened for acts such as Macklemore and Sara Evans. Now living in Nashville, Bailey records for Warner Music Nashville and 300 Entertainment out of New York, and her debut single is "Own It."
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 4 & 5. 2007:
Friday May 4
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Mel McDaniel; Larry Sparks
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy Wayne
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
9:30: Pam Tillis (host); Stu Phillips; Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky
Saturday May 5
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Elizabeth Cook
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Larry Sparks
7:30: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Julie Roberts
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Ray Scott; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Jake Owen
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Julie Roberts
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Larry Sparks; Ray Scott
10:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Ray Pillow; Jake Owen; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Elizabeth Cook
Now from 25 years ago, the weekend of May 8 & 9, 1992:
Friday May 8
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Roy Drusky; Jim Ed Brown; Ray Pillow
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jack Greene; Connie Smith
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; 4 Guys
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Pruett; The Carlisles; Air Force Band
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones; Jim Ed Brown; Mike Snider
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Justin Tubb; Jan Howard; Connie Smith
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; 4 Guys; Jack Greene
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Jeannie Seely; The Whites; Johnny Russell
12:05: Reverend Jimmie Snow
Saturday May 9
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Ray Pillow; Skeeter Davis; The Four Guys
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Ronna Reeves; Ricky Van Shelton
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Jack Greene; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Jan Howard; Riders In The Sky; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown; Stu Phillips; Teddy Wilburn; Ronna Reeves
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Ricky Van Shelton
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); The Carlisles
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
10:45: Billy Walker (host); Skeeter Davis; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Connie Smith; Justin Tubb; Roy Drusky
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jan Howard; Riders In The Sky; Johnny Russell
Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday May 6, 1967:
7:30: Cordite
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): (?)
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Stringbean: The Big 'Un Got Away
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: You're Never Very Far from My Heart
Margie Bowes: Making Believe
Ernie Ashworth: I'm Just an Empty Place
Bill Carlisle: Doctor R.D.
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Wonder If You're Lonesome Too
Charlie Louvin: Turn Around
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Flatt & Scruggs: Roustabout
Crook Brothers: Gray Eagle
Duane Dee: (?)
Charlie Louvin: On the Other Hand
Earl Scruggs: Reuben
8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): You Can't Make a Heel Toe the Mark
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Tex Ritter: Just Beyond the Moon
Norma Jean: Conscience, Keep an Eye on Me Tonight
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life
Debbie Kay: A Legend in My Time
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of this As I Can Stand
9:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Marion Worth: Especially You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Lonzo & Oscar: I'm Moving On #2
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Marion Worth: Touch My Heart
Roy Acuff: Traveling the Highway Home
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
George Morgan: I Couldn't See
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Bob Luman: Memphis
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
4 Guys: Shenandoah
George Morgan: Almost
Hank Snow: Breakfast With the Blues
10:00: Schick
Flatt & Scruggs (host): It Was Only the Wind
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Flatt & Scruggs: Nashville Cats
10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Norma Jean: Don't Let that Door Knob Hit You
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal is This
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Mac McGaha: Shuffling Back
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
10:30: Buckley's
Tex Ritter (host): Boll Weevil
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Tex Ritter: Remember the Alamo
10:45: Kent
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Knob, Arkansas
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: You're Never Very Far From My Mind
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Ernie Ashworth: Heartbreak Avenue
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Listen
4 Guys: Mariah
Sam McGee: Cabbage Head
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Hank Snow: Down at the Pawn Shop
11:30: Lava
George Morgan (host): I Couldn't See
Marion Worth: That's All Right
Lonzo & Oscar: Things Look Silly Until You Understand
Debbie Kay: Sugar-time
George Morgan: Danny Boy
Bob Luman: (?)
George Morgan & Marion Worth: Slippin' Around
A name from that night that some may have forgotten and that was Duane Dee. Duane was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he was known for making a few guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. He originally regarded for Capital Records and his 2nd single was "Before the Next Teardrop Falls," which reached #44 on the country charts in 1968. (Yes, this is the same song that in 1975 Freddy Fender recorded, and his version went to #1). He had a few more minor hits, including "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart," which went to #36 on the country charts in 1971, while the Bee Gees version went to the top of the pop charts. His last record to hit the charts was "Morning Girl" which was released on ABC Records in 1974. After that, he moved to Florida.
The other name from that night was Debbie Kay, often introduced as Debbie Lori Kay. Debbie was born in New York in 1950, but grew up in Ontario, Canada. Her father was a disc jockey and he asked a local Canadian group to allow Debbie to sing in their band. She toured with the band, Rogues, for about a year and then she joined the Tommy Hunter Show. After signing a record deal with Columbia Records, she made her first appearance on the Canadian charts in 1965 with "Picking Up My Hat," She continued to record with records hitting both the Canadian pop and country charts. In June 1968, her recording on "Come On Home" reached #12. In 1971, she was nominated for several Juno Awards, including "Best Female Vocalist" and "Best Country Female Artist."
She changed record labels several times and her songs would continue to hit the Canadian adult contemporary and country charts. She also appeared on various television programs including the Tommy Hunter Show, Wilburn Brothers Show (there is a clip of her appearance on YouTube) and Music City USA. She also had her own one hour CBC variety show, "The Debbie Lori Kay Show." In 2005 she was inducted into the Ontario Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2006, she suffered serious injuries in a car accident and the last that was heard, she was living in the Seattle, Washington area.
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!
As to the rest of the line-up this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members joining Brad on Saturday night include Mike Snider, Bill Anderson, Bobby Osborne and Connie Smith. Connie, Bill, and Mike are also scheduled on Friday night, where they will be joined by members Jesse McReynolds, Dailey & Vincent (again hosting a segment), Ricky Skaggs and The Whites.
It is really, really nice to see Rhonda Vincent guesting on both shows Saturday night. These will be her first Opry appearances since Dailey & Vincent joined the cast. Joining Rhonda on Saturday will be Ashley Campbell, Charles Esten, and making her Opry debut, Bailey Bryan.
Friday's guests include Exile, Wade Hayes, Kristian Bush, Jimmy Fortune (who will be signing copies of his new CD in the Opry Shop, and Devin Dawson, who will also be making his Opry debut.
Friday May 5
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider; Exile
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Devin Dawson
Intermission
8:15: Dailey & Vincent (host); Wade Hayes; Jimmy Fortune
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Kristian Bush
Saturday May 6
1st show
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Ashley Campbell; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Bailey Bryan
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Charles Esten; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Brad Paisley
2nd show
9:30: Brad Paisley
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Ashley Campbell; Rhonda Vincent
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Bailey Bryan; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Charles Esten
As mentioned, there are two individuals who will be making their Opry debut this weekend, Devin Dawson on the Friday Night Opry and Bailey Bryan on Saturday night.
Devin Dawson is described as a California native with deep country roots. He considers Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson and Marvin Gaye as his influences. Devin, who is 28, graduated from Belmont University and first made an impact in 2014, covering a Taylor Swift song with some success. "All on Me" is his debut single which he is touring in support of. That tour includes an appearance on Seth Meyer's late night show, and tour dates opening for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
As far as Bailey Bryan, she is another one of the artists on Rolling Stone's list of new country artists you need to know. She grew up in Sequim, Washington. She is a described as a storyteller with words and melodies that capture her generation, but are wisely crafted beyond her years. While she may have country roots, her music is diverse and unique with wide-spanned influences from the Dixie Chicks to Drake to Red Hot Chili Peppers and has opened for acts such as Macklemore and Sara Evans. Now living in Nashville, Bailey records for Warner Music Nashville and 300 Entertainment out of New York, and her debut single is "Own It."
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 4 & 5. 2007:
Friday May 4
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Mel McDaniel; Larry Sparks
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy Wayne
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
9:30: Pam Tillis (host); Stu Phillips; Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky
Saturday May 5
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Elizabeth Cook
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Larry Sparks
7:30: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Julie Roberts
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Ray Scott; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Jake Owen
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Julie Roberts
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Larry Sparks; Ray Scott
10:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Ray Pillow; Jake Owen; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Elizabeth Cook
Now from 25 years ago, the weekend of May 8 & 9, 1992:
Friday May 8
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Roy Drusky; Jim Ed Brown; Ray Pillow
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jack Greene; Connie Smith
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; 4 Guys
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Pruett; The Carlisles; Air Force Band
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones; Jim Ed Brown; Mike Snider
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Justin Tubb; Jan Howard; Connie Smith
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; 4 Guys; Jack Greene
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Jeannie Seely; The Whites; Johnny Russell
12:05: Reverend Jimmie Snow
Saturday May 9
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Ray Pillow; Skeeter Davis; The Four Guys
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Ronna Reeves; Ricky Van Shelton
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Jack Greene; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Jan Howard; Riders In The Sky; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown; Stu Phillips; Teddy Wilburn; Ronna Reeves
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Ricky Van Shelton
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); The Carlisles
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
10:45: Billy Walker (host); Skeeter Davis; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Connie Smith; Justin Tubb; Roy Drusky
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jan Howard; Riders In The Sky; Johnny Russell
Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday May 6, 1967:
7:30: Cordite
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): (?)
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Stringbean: The Big 'Un Got Away
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: You're Never Very Far from My Heart
Margie Bowes: Making Believe
Ernie Ashworth: I'm Just an Empty Place
Bill Carlisle: Doctor R.D.
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Wonder If You're Lonesome Too
Charlie Louvin: Turn Around
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Flatt & Scruggs: Roustabout
Crook Brothers: Gray Eagle
Duane Dee: (?)
Charlie Louvin: On the Other Hand
Earl Scruggs: Reuben
8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): You Can't Make a Heel Toe the Mark
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Tex Ritter: Just Beyond the Moon
Norma Jean: Conscience, Keep an Eye on Me Tonight
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life
Debbie Kay: A Legend in My Time
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of this As I Can Stand
9:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Marion Worth: Especially You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Lonzo & Oscar: I'm Moving On #2
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Marion Worth: Touch My Heart
Roy Acuff: Traveling the Highway Home
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
George Morgan: I Couldn't See
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Bob Luman: Memphis
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
4 Guys: Shenandoah
George Morgan: Almost
Hank Snow: Breakfast With the Blues
10:00: Schick
Flatt & Scruggs (host): It Was Only the Wind
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Flatt & Scruggs: Nashville Cats
10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Norma Jean: Don't Let that Door Knob Hit You
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal is This
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Mac McGaha: Shuffling Back
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
10:30: Buckley's
Tex Ritter (host): Boll Weevil
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Tex Ritter: Remember the Alamo
10:45: Kent
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Knob, Arkansas
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: You're Never Very Far From My Mind
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Ernie Ashworth: Heartbreak Avenue
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Listen
4 Guys: Mariah
Sam McGee: Cabbage Head
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Hank Snow: Down at the Pawn Shop
11:30: Lava
George Morgan (host): I Couldn't See
Marion Worth: That's All Right
Lonzo & Oscar: Things Look Silly Until You Understand
Debbie Kay: Sugar-time
George Morgan: Danny Boy
Bob Luman: (?)
George Morgan & Marion Worth: Slippin' Around
A name from that night that some may have forgotten and that was Duane Dee. Duane was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he was known for making a few guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. He originally regarded for Capital Records and his 2nd single was "Before the Next Teardrop Falls," which reached #44 on the country charts in 1968. (Yes, this is the same song that in 1975 Freddy Fender recorded, and his version went to #1). He had a few more minor hits, including "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart," which went to #36 on the country charts in 1971, while the Bee Gees version went to the top of the pop charts. His last record to hit the charts was "Morning Girl" which was released on ABC Records in 1974. After that, he moved to Florida.
The other name from that night was Debbie Kay, often introduced as Debbie Lori Kay. Debbie was born in New York in 1950, but grew up in Ontario, Canada. Her father was a disc jockey and he asked a local Canadian group to allow Debbie to sing in their band. She toured with the band, Rogues, for about a year and then she joined the Tommy Hunter Show. After signing a record deal with Columbia Records, she made her first appearance on the Canadian charts in 1965 with "Picking Up My Hat," She continued to record with records hitting both the Canadian pop and country charts. In June 1968, her recording on "Come On Home" reached #12. In 1971, she was nominated for several Juno Awards, including "Best Female Vocalist" and "Best Country Female Artist."
She changed record labels several times and her songs would continue to hit the Canadian adult contemporary and country charts. She also appeared on various television programs including the Tommy Hunter Show, Wilburn Brothers Show (there is a clip of her appearance on YouTube) and Music City USA. She also had her own one hour CBC variety show, "The Debbie Lori Kay Show." In 2005 she was inducted into the Ontario Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2006, she suffered serious injuries in a car accident and the last that was heard, she was living in the Seattle, Washington area.
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!
Monday, May 1, 2017
Tuesday Night Opry 5/2 & Opry Country Classics 5/4
Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, May 2:
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Aaron Tippin
7:30: Mandy Barnett; Jerrod Niemann
Intermission
8:15: Mo Pitney; Dailey & Vincent
8:45: Rascal Flatts
Nice to see the newest Grand Ole Opry members Dailey & Vincent making another Opry appearance. And they have many more on their upcoming schedule.
As far as Opry Country Classics on Thursday night, Larry Gatlin is busy with his new play, so Bill Cody of WSM will be hosting the show:
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Charlie Daniels Band
Also Appearing: Baillie & The Boys; Alyssa Bonagura; Exile; Charlie McCoy; Ray Scott
A very nice line-up and it will be interesting to see if Alyssa joins her mom Kathie Baillie for any songs.
Enjoy
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Aaron Tippin
7:30: Mandy Barnett; Jerrod Niemann
Intermission
8:15: Mo Pitney; Dailey & Vincent
8:45: Rascal Flatts
Nice to see the newest Grand Ole Opry members Dailey & Vincent making another Opry appearance. And they have many more on their upcoming schedule.
As far as Opry Country Classics on Thursday night, Larry Gatlin is busy with his new play, so Bill Cody of WSM will be hosting the show:
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Charlie Daniels Band
Also Appearing: Baillie & The Boys; Alyssa Bonagura; Exile; Charlie McCoy; Ray Scott
A very nice line-up and it will be interesting to see if Alyssa joins her mom Kathie Baillie for any songs.
Enjoy
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