Grand Ole Opry 5/31 & 6/1

It always brings a smile to my face when I see Marty Stuart listed on the Opry schedule. Marty is one of those members who I thought we would see more of after he joined the cast, but he is so busy with touring, recording and producing music, and with his museum, that we don't see him as often as many of us would like. 

Marty is on the schedule for the Friday Night Opry. Of course, when Marty is on the Opry, you know Connie can't be far away, and she will be joining him along with Bill Anderson, Riders In The Sky, Gene Watson and Mark Wills. The only non-members are comedian Brad Upton and Annie Bosko. 

Crystal Gayle is back on the Opry for a Saturday night appearance, along with Jeannie Seely and Don Schlitz. Hiss Golden Messenger and Tony Jackson are among the guest artists, along with American Idol contestant Emmy Russell and the amazing and fun group, The Cleverly's. 

Hiss Golden Messenger is an American folk band originating from Durham, North Carolina, formed in 2007 and led by singer and songwriter MC Taylor. The band was formed by Michael Carrington "M.C." Taylor and Scott Hirsch, following the dissolution of their previous band, the alternative country group The Court and Spark. Hiss Golden Messenger's early recordings were released through Taylor's own label, "Heaven & Earth Magic Recording Company.

The band's music contains elements from various musical genres, such as folk, country, dub, country soul, rhythm and blues, bluegrass, jazz, funk, swamp pop, gospel, blues, and rock. The band's style was also described as "alternative country" and "country rock." The band's main influences include the Beatles, The Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield. The band has been compared to Will Oldham and Bill Callahan.

Their newest record Jump For Joy, was released last August. 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday June 1, 1974. Guesting on the show that night was Jeannie C. Riley. 

1st show

6:30: Charlie Louvin, Willis Brothers
6:45: Billy Grammer, Jeanne Pruett, Charlie Walker
7:00: Billy Walker, Connie Smith, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Lonzo & Oscar
7:30: Bill Anderson, Jim & Jesse, Del Wood, Mary Lou Turner, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers

8:00: Roy Acuff, Grandpa Jones, Jean Shepard, Justin Tubb, 
8:30: Bobby Lord, Jimmy C Newman, Jeannie C Riley, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show

9:30: Bill Anderson, Willis Brothers, Charlie Louvin, Del Wood, Mary Lou Turner

10:00: Charlie Walker, Jean Shepard, Lonzo & Oscar
10:15: Roy Acuff, Billy Grammer
10:30: Billy Walker, Grandpa Jones, Connie Smith
10:45: Bobby Lord, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Jimmy C Newman, Jeanne Pruett, Jim & Jesse, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee

11:30: Marty Robbins, Justin Tubb, Jeannie C Riley

June 1, 1957 was an important date in the history of the Grand Ole Opry as The Everly Brothers became Opry members. At the time, Don Everly said, "This is gonna be a moment that Phil and I will always remember when we get kinda old and gray." 

The Grand Ole Opry invited Don and Phil to join the cast and they made regular appearances on the show. To all in Nashville The Everly Brothers were a country music act who had been lucky enough to crack open the pop market. It was not a case of selling out. Web Pierce and Ray Price cut Bye Bye Love, and they were country all the way.

Here is the lineup from 67 years ago, the night in which the Grand Ole Opry welcomed The Everly Brothers

7:30: Nabisco

Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special

Ladell Sisters: Gonna Find Me A Blue Bird

Oswald: The Girls Don't Pay Me No Mind

Roy Acuff: Drifting Too Far From The Shore

7:45: American Ace

Jordanaires: Theme

Faron Young (host): I'm Gonna Live Some Before I Die

Odie & Jody: Unpucker

Porter Wagoner: Good Morning Neighbor

Faron Young: Shrine Of St. Cecilia

Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): No Doubt About It

Jim Reeves: Four Walls

Everly Brothers: Bye Bye Love

June & Smokey: Comedy

Flatt & Scruggs: Six White Horses

Justin Tubb: Pepper Hot Baby

Jim Reeves: According To My Heart

Possum Hunters: Billy In The Low Ground

Everly Brothers: I Wonder If I Care As Much

Flatt & Scruggs: Earl's Breakdown

8:30: Prince Albert

Ray Price (host): Crazy Arms

Rod Brasfield: Comedy

Merle Travis: Sixteen Tons

Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer

Ray Price: In The Garden

Chet Atkins: Country Gentleman
Minnie Pearl: Comedy

Jimmy Dean: Happy Child

Stringbean: Lonesome Road Blues

Ray Price: I've Got A New Heartache

Fiddle Tune: Katy Hill

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt

Jordanaires: Theme

Jimmy Dickens (host): Happy Heartaches

Bill Monroe: Fallen Star

Del Wood: Rockin 88

T. Texas Tyler: Oklahoma Hills

Louvin Brothers: Don't Laugh

Jimmy Dickens: I Never Had The Blues

Jordanaires: Sugaree

Bill Monroe: Cheyenne

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hollow Poplar

Louvin Brothers: The First One To Love You

Jimmy Dickens: Big Sandy

9:30: Stephens

Lonzo & Oscar: Theme
Hank Snow (host): Music Making Mama

Porter Wagoner: Who Will It Be

Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy

Ladell Sisters: Nighty Nine Ways

Hank Snow: Marriage And Divorce

Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch And Chain

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin

Porter Wagoner: Uncle Pen

Hank Snow: Rumba Boogie

10:00: Wall-Rite

Roy Acuff (host): Streamlined Cannon Ball

Justin Tubb: You Nearly Lose Your Mind

Stringbean: Fireball Mail

Roy Acuff: If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again

Howdy Forrester: Money Musk

10:15: Delited

Ladell Sisters: Theme

Ray Price (host): Wasted Words

Odie & Jody: Georgiana Waltz

Ladell Sisters: Love Letters In The Sand

Ray Price: You Done Me Wrong

Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy

10:30: Hester Battery

Jim Reeves (host): I Know That You Know

Flatt & Scruggs: Salty Dog Blues

June Carter: Comedy

Jim Reeves: Waiting For A Train

Fiddle Tune: Turkey In The Straw

10:45: De Con
Faron Young (host): Until I Met You

Louvin Brothers: You're Running Wild

Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag

Faron Young: I'll Be Satisfied With Love

Fiddle Tune: Cacklin Hen

11:00: Coca Cola

Jordanaires: Theme

Hank Snow (host): Honey Moon On A Rocket Ship

Everly Brothers: Bye Bye Love

Del Wood: After Five

Bill Monroe: Sitting Alone In The Moonlight 

Lonzo & Oscar: Blondes Blondes Blondes

Hank Snow: Conscience I'm Guilty

Chet Atkins: Martingale

Mother Maybelle: Wildwood Flower

Gully Jumpers: Leather Britches

Everly Brothers: I Wonder If I Care As Much
Hank Snow: Rumba Boogie

11:30: Jamison

Jordanaires: Theme

Jimmy Dickens (host): Cornbread And Buttermilk

T. Texas Tyler: Old Blue

Stonewall Jackson: Stop Your Naggin Hoss

Jimmy Dickens: What About Me

Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

11:45: Sustaining

Porter Wagoner (host): Uncle Pen

Sam & Kirk McGee: I Was Sort Of Wondering

Merle Travis: John Henry

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fruit Jar Breakdown

Porter Wagoner: What Would You Do

Dee Kilpatrick was the General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry from 1956-1959. At the time, he was quoted as saying, "The Opry didn't have the appeal to the younger audience that you have to have if you're going to keep growing. All I could see were older people and little teeny kids. There weren't any teenagers."

To help solve that problem, he brought into the Opry a group of younger artists that included Stonewall Jackson, Porter Wagoner, Rusty and Doug Kershaw and Don and Phil Everly, who were from Kentucky with an impeccable country music background. Their parents, Ike and Margaret, were country-gospel artists known throughout the South and Midwest. The brothers were learning classic country songs before they were 10. After completing high school, and with their parents retiring, Don and Phil headed to Nashville. 

Wesley Rose put them in touch with songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, who had just written "Bye Bye Love." The brothers recorded it and it was a smash hit, which led to them coming to the Opry. 

But eventually the Brothers became too big for Nashville. It was evident that although their recordings maintained that basic country feel they had to make sure their recordings appealed to the pop masses. Because they were away from Nashville on personal appearances and tours abroad they were dropped from the Grand Ole Opry, and when in 1960 they signed with the newly formed Warner Brothers label they were completely cut off from Nashville and country music. The Everly Brothers would return to Nashville, but not often. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Next week will be a big week at the Opry House as it will be CMA week. The Opry will be having multiple shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday night, along with an Opry Country Classic show at the Ryman Auditorium on Saturday afternoon. Terri Clark will be celebrating her 20th year as an Opry member and believe it or not, Lorrie Morgan will be celebrating her 40th year of membership. And don't forget, a new member will be added to the Opry's cast as Lainey Wilson will be inducted on Friday night. 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. Take care and stay safe. 

Tuesday Night Opry 5/28

Here is the lineup for the Tuesday Night Opry May 28: 

7:00

Jeannie Seely

Tyler Braden

Maddie & Tae

The Isaacs

Intermission

8:15

Charlie McCoy

Suzy Bogguss

ERNEST

T. Graham Brown

A very solid lineup with four Opry members and a nice group of guests. 

Grand Ole Opry 5/24 & 5/25

I am sure everyone has heard the news that Lainey Wilson has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry member Reba McEntire surprised Lainey with the invite during Lainey's appearance on The Voice. Personally, I think she is a great choice to be an Opry member. She has been impressive on her guest appearances on the show and she is probably the hottest thing in country music, and on country radio right now. And, she has paid her dues. 

It also got me thinking on how Grand Ole Opry invites have changed. Years ago, back in the day, a new member would be announced during an appearance on the Opry. No fanfare, just an announcement. In fact, a few of those inductions took place during an artist's first appearance on the Opry, or within a few weeks. Later, after an artist had made a number of appearances, an Opry invitation would be given during an Opry appearance, with the actual induction taking place on a later date. This seemed to have been the pattern after the Opry began to be televised on TNN, with both the invite and induction taking place during the televised segments. 

Now we have seen a number of Opry invites taking place at locations other than on the Opry, usually at some type of special event, with the actual induction taking place, in some cases, months later. I have no issue with those surprise off-site invitations as the Opry has been generating a lot of positive news with these invites. Last night was a perfect example as The Voice is one of the top-rated shows on television. 

Since 2020, 18 (including Lainey Wilson) new members have been added to the Opry's cast, with 9 of those taking place not at an Opry show: 

*Lainey Wilson was invited during an appearance on The Voice, one of NBC's top-rated shows.
*T. Graham Brown was invited by Vince Gill during a taping of T. Graham's Sirius radio show. 
*Sara Evans was invited by Bill Anderson during one of Sara's concerts at the Ryman Auditorium. 
*Jon Pardi was invited by Alan Jackson at Stagecoach. 
*Gary Mule Deer and Henry Cho were invited by Marty Stuart backstage prior to an Opry show. 
*Ashley McBryde was invited by Garth Brooks during an appearance on the CBS Morning Show. 
*Carly Pearce was invited by Dolly Parton during a promotional taping for Dollywood. 
*Lady A was invited by Darius Rucker during the taping of the Opry's 90th birthday special. 

As I mentioned, 18 new members have been added just since 2020 with over half the decade still to go. In comparison, 16 members were added in the 10 years prior to that, 2010-2019, and 13 were added from 2000-2009. In total, 47 of the Opry's 75 current members have joined the cast since 2000.

As to the new members, overall, they have been good choices. Dan Rogers has added a lot of variety to the cast, from veterans to newcomers, traditional to contemporary, bluegrass to gospel, comedians to Americana. What a mix!! As the Opry continues its push to its 100th anniversary, I fully expect more members to be added. It will be exciting to see who is next. 

Now looking to this weekend, the Grand Ole Opry will be celebrating Memorial Day weekend and once again we are blessed to have Vince Gill back at the Opry. Vince is on the schedule for both shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. While we have gotten used to having Vince on the Opry these past several weeks, this weekend will be his final Opry shows for at least a few weeks as The Eagles will be touring overseas until the middle of June. 

Joining Vince on the Friday Night Opry will be members Mandy Barnett, Dailey & Vincent and the legendary Gene Watson. In addition to Vince, Saturday's show will include John Conlee, Rhonda Vincent and Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz. 

A couple of Opry NextStage artists are on the bill for Friday: Breland and Restless Road. Comedian Aaron Weber and veteran John Berry fill out the lineup. Songwriter/Christian singer Matthew West will appear on Saturday, along with Steve Earle and Dale Watson. 

Friday May 24
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Restless Road, Mandy Barnett, John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Gene Watson, Aaron Weber, Breland, Vince Gill

Saturday May 25
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Dale Watson, Matthew West
Intermission
8:15: Steve Earle, Opry Square Dancers, Don Schlitz, Vince Gill

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday May 25, 1974. It was a night in which Tanya Tucker and Mickey Gilley each made a guest appearance on the show: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Bob
Ernie Ashworth: Love, I Finally Found It
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips

6:45: Rudy's
Bobby Lord (host): Live Your Life Out Loud
Jan Howard: Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel
Bobby Lord: Your Song

7:00: Rudy's
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Connie Smith: Dallas
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Del Wood: Leaning On The Everlasting Arm
Billy Grammer: I'm Letting You Go
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Billy Grammer: Under The Double Eagle

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Minnie Pearl: Red River Valley
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Chicken Reel
Roy Acuff: Sunshine Song
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Little Darling Pal Of Mine
Mickey Gilley: A Room Full Of Roses
Jim Ed Brown: It's That Time Of Night
Stu Phillips: Love You All Over Again
Stoney Cooper: Black Mountain Rag

8:30: Stephens
Billy Walker (host): Things/Oh, Lonesome Me
Louie Roberts: Where Did My True Love Go
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Tanya Tucker: Delta Dawn
Billy Walker: How Far Our Love Goes
Louie Roberts: Don't Worry/Tonight Carmen
Tanya Tucker: The Man That Turned My Mama On
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bobby Lord (host): Rainbow Girl
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Connie Eaton: Stand By Your Man
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Ernie Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye

10:00: Fender
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Poor Ellen Smith
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Tommy Jones: The Entertainer
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Give Me The Roses

10:15: Union 76
Billy Grammer (host): Lovesick Blues
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Billy Grammer, Jr.: Orange Blossom Special

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country
Connie Smith: Burning Bridges
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back To The Mountains

10:45: Beechnut
Stu Phillips (host): Crystal Chandeliers
Mickey Gilley: A Room Full Of Roses
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Liberty
Stu Phillips: Love You All Over Again

11:00: Coca Cola
Jim Ed Brown (host): Stay A Little Longer
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink On Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Jim Ed Brown: It's That Time Of The Night
Sam McGee: Freight Train/Victor Rag

11:30: Elm Hill
Bily Walker (host): Cross The Brazos At Waco
Louie Roberts: Just A Little Lovin'/Anytime/Bouquet Of Roses/Cattle Call
Tanya Tucker: Would You Lay With Me/The Man That Turned My Mama On
Billy Walker: How Far Our Love Goes/Charlie's Shoes

(Ray Pillow was scheduled for both shows but cancelled, while Jan Howard and Minnie Pearl only appeared on the first show). 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. Take care and stay safe. 

Tuesday Night Opry: Opry Salutes The Troops 5/21

One of the very special shows that the Grand Ole Opry puts on every year is the annual Opry Supports the Troops show, which generally takes place the Tuesday before Memorial Day. 

The Opry will salute our U.S. Military with a return of the red-carpet parade and what has become a highlight of the year, the special Salute the Troops Opry performance. The public is invited to arrive at 5:00 pm to see the 313th U.S. Army Band perform in the Opry Plaza before they lead the honored red carpet parade guests beginning at 5:45 pm. Opry House doors will open after the honored guests have entered the building for the 7 pm show. 

The Opry’s Salute the Troops celebration is presented by Humana and supported by the VFW.

As it is each year, there is a stellar lineup of artists on the schedule including Opry members Craig Morgan, Trace Adkins, John Conlee, Lauren Alaina and Charlie McCoy. 

Tuesday May 21
7:00
John Conlee
Austin Snell
Charlie McCoy
Lauren Alaina

8:45
Intermission

9:00
Lee Brice
Huntergirl
Sal Gonzalez
Trace Adkins
Craig Morgan

Each year the Opry generally has a special performer on the schedule and this year it is Sal Gonzalez, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA, Sal Gonzalez learned to sing in grade school while performing in the choir and quickly fell in love with the whole process. He later picked up playing guitar partially by learning from his self-taught father and partially by playing in bands with much better guitar players. Sal quickly started singing lead in bands throughout high school, having small success with his Spanish rock band “La Cabaña,” playing locally all-over Southern California.

After the terror attacks of 9/11, Sal decided to serve his country and shifted his focus from music to being a United States Marine—a title he would later earn in late 2003. After training to become a machine gunner, Sal proudly served with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and would later be deployed to Iraq in the late summer of 2004. On October 31, 2004, Sal’s vehicle was struck for the 7th time during that deployment, killing Lt. Matthew D. Lynch and severely injuring Sal and one other Marine.

Sal was flown to Bethesda Naval Hospital, where, after coming out of a weeklong coma, he learned the extent of his injuries. After more than 30 surgeries and 4 months of hospitalization, his left leg was amputated below the knee. Once healed, he was sent to San Antonio Medical Center in Texas, where he spent the next year learning to walk on his new prosthetic leg. Sal retired from the United States Marine Corps in late 2005 and, after a quick stay back home in Los Angeles, CA, he moved to Nashville, TN to pursue his dreams of songwriting and performing.

In 2014, Sal was selected to be a contestant on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Off the strength of his performance, he has been able to perform with many of today’s country superstars. He has shared the stage with Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Charles Kelly, and Trace Adkins, just to name a few. His songs about life, love, and loss are sometimes a far cry from the laughing, often joking guy he is today.

However, Sal proves with his song, “When We Go Round,” that he can write up-tempo songs about love too. Meanwhile, the song “Heroes” is Sal’s favorite song that he’s worked on, and he says, “it was the first song that I’d written that I was like, ‘finally something really me.’” The EP “Shadow of Death” is Sal’s first release as an artist and according to him, “that’s just the beginning.”

Definitely a special night at the Grand Ole Opry House for Sal Gonzalez. 

Grand Ole Opry 5/17 & 5/18

It looks like it is going to be another fantastic weekend at the Grand Ole Opry House with a couple of very nice shows on the schedule, featuring a good group of Opry members. 

I don't think Vince Gill takes a weekend off. It seems that he is either touring with The Eagles, performing his own solo show, or as is the case again this weekend, he is at the Grand Ole Opry. 

Once again, Vince is scheduled for both shows this weekend. Joining Vince both nights will be Opry members Gary Mule Deer and Old Crow Medicine Show. It seemed like over the past several years we haven't seen much of Old Crow on the Opry, but so far in 2024 they have been making up for lost time. 

Also on the Friday schedule are Jeannie Seely and Connie Smith. It is somewhat rare to see both of these veterans on the same night, as usually one will appear on Friday and the other on Saturday. 

Joining that group of members will be very frequent Opry guest Charles Esten, Julia Cole and making his Opry debut, Whitey Morgan and the 78's. 

Looking at Saturday night, in addition to Vince, Old Crow and Gary Mule, the legendary Bill Anderson and country/bluegrass great Ricky Skaggs are listed. Emily Ann Roberts, Opry NextStage artist Chapel Hart and gospel singer Jason Crabb fill out the schedule. 

Friday May 17
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Julia Cole, Whitney Morgan & the 78s, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Gary Mule Deer, Old Crow Medicine Show, Vince Gill

Saturday May 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Ricky Skaggs, Jason Crabb, Chapel Hart, Bill Anderson
Intermission
8:15: Emily Ann Roberts, Gary Mule Deer, Opry Square Dancers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Vince Gill

As I wrote, a couple of very nice shows this weekend. 

Whitey Morgan is from Flint, Michigan and during his career he has released six studio albums and a live recording from his hometown.  Additionally, he has toured relentlessly, averaging over 125 shows annually. Rolling Stone has described him as a "Waylon Jennings acolyte...modern day outlaw [with a] hard hitting blue-collar brand of music," while NPR hailed, "Staying close to the sound and subject matter of classic outlaw artists like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and David Allan Coe, Morgan is poised to lead this hand-worn brand of country to the next generation." His latest project is being produced by Scooter Jennings. It was stated that with his Opry debut, Morgan is not only cementing his place in country music's pantheon but is also embracing a pivotal moment that signifies his evolution from a hard-touring artist to a recognized torchbearer for outlaw country's enduring legacy.

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday May 18, 1974:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy
Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands In Muddy Water/Waterloo

6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Cross The Brazos At Waco
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: American Trilogy
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Billy Walker: How Far Our Love Goes

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Melba Montgomery: No Charge
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Charlie Walker: My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sally Goodin
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Run That By Me One More Time/Holding On To Nothing/The Last Thing On My Mind
Dolly Parton: I Will Always Love You
Porter Wagoner: The Carrol County Accident
Mac McGaha: Orange Blossom Special

8:00: Martha White
Roy Drusky (host): Early Morning Rain
Jeanne Pruett: Love Me
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Bill Carlisle: Shanghai Rooster
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre

8:30: Stephens
Bill Monroe (host): Mule Skinner Blues
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Ray Pillow: Excuse Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Bill Monroe: I'm Working On A Building
The 4 Guys: Fall Away
Ray Pillow: Countryfied

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Walker (host): Things/Oh, Lonesome Me
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Charlie Walker: Wanting My Woman Again
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Billy Walker: How Far Our Love Goes
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art

10:00: Fender
Charlie Louvin (host): & Diane McCall: Something To Brag About
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink On Me
Charlie Louvin: It Almost Felt Like Love

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Melba Montgomery: No Charge
Roy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland

10:30: Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: I Will Always Love You
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man/If Teardrops Were Pennies

10:45: Beechnut
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Bill Monroe: Kentucky Mandolin

11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Drusky (host): Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Sherry Bryce: Don't Stop Now
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire On The Mountain
Roy Drusky: Burning Bridges
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Roy Drusky: Alone With You

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): I Walk Alone
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/You Don't Need To Move A Mountain
Ray Pillow: Slipping Around/Countryfied
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/Love Me/I'm Wanting To/Big Boss Man/They'll Never Take Her Love From Me/I Couldn't Believe It Was True/El Paso/Singing The Blues

(Bob Luman was scheduled for both shows but cancelled, while Stonewall Jackson only appeared on the early show. It was nice to see Melba Montgomery on both shows that night, appearing on Roy Acuff's segments). 

Finally, from 84 years ago, May 18, 1940: 

8:00: Possum Hunters
8:15: Zeke Clements
8:30: Jack and His Missouri Mountaineers
8:45: DeFord Bailey
9:00: Crook Brothers
9:15: Monk and Sam
9:30: Fruit Jar Drinkers
9:45: Bill Monroe
10:00: Stacey Sisters
10:15: Zeke Clements
10:30: Crook Brothers
10:45: Ford Rush
11:00: Sam and Kirk McGee
11:15: Robert Lunn
11:30: DeFord Bailey
11:45: Gully Jumpers

It is really interesting looking back at some of these very old lineups, who was on and who was not. Obviously, the Opry cast was much smaller in those days, and it really was a tightknit group. 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. Take care and be safe. 

Tuesday Night Opry 5/14 & Opry Country Classics 5/16

Coming off his recent Opry induction, T. Graham Brown is back for the Tuesday Night Opry, joined by members Rhonda Vincent, Gary Mule Deer and Riders In The Sky. Additionally, Benjamin Tod & The Lost Dog Street Band and Foy Vance will be making their Opry debuts. 

Tuesday May 14
7:00
Rhonda Vincent
Riders In The Sky
Sophia Scott
Benjamin Tod & The Lost Dog Street Band

8:15
T. Graham Brown
Gary Mule Deer
Foy Vance
Chase Rice

Benjamin Tod is the lead singer and guitarist for the Lost Dog Street Band with his wife Ashley Mae (vocals, fiddle) and Jeff Loops (bass). The group was formed in 2010 and has made the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart in 2019 with Weight of a Trigger. In 2022, Benjamin decided to retire the group, however he reversed the decision a year later. Their newest album is Survived, and they are currently touring in support of the new project. 

Foy Vance, from Northern Ireland, as garnered acclaim from fans and fellow musicians alike since his independent debut album release in 2007. He released his second LP, Joy of Nothing, in 2013 on Glassnote Records which led to further critical praise and invites on tours from Ed Sheeran, Bonnie Raitt, Marcus Foster, Snow Patrol and Sir Elton John. Additionally, he has headlined tours globally to sell-out crowds. Foy was the second artist signed to Gingerbread Man Records, Ed Sheeran’s label division within Atlantic Records. Foy’s debut recording with the label, The Wild Swan, was Executive Produced by Sir Elton John and released in 2016. In 2019, Foy released two companion albums, From Muscle Shoals and To Memphis, recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and Sam Phillips Recording Studio in Memphis. 

Foy Vance's 2021 album, Signs Of Life, marked Foy’s second studio album ‘proper’ on Gingerbread Man Records and was a testament to his abilities as a songwriter. The thoughtful and poignant album was written and played more or less entirely by Vance, with assistance from young Northern Irish producer Gareth Dunlop, and received global recognition.

The final Opry Country Classics for the Spring run will take place on Thursday night, with The Bellamy Brothers as the Spotlight Artists. 

Thursday May 16
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Bellamy Brothers
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mae Estes, Chuck Mead, Leona Williams

Of all the artists scheduled, I am most looking forward to hearing the legendary Leona Williams. It has been a while since she has been on the Opry. 

 

Grand Ole Opry 5/10 & 5/11-Updated

It has been a busy couple of weeks at the Grand Ole Opry as first, Scotty McCreery was inducted into the Opry family and then last Friday, T. Graham Brown officially joined the cast. Unlike several others who were inducted as members last year (Jon Pardi and Sara Evans), Scotty and T. Graham have already scheduled Opry appearances. While T. Graham is on the schedule for next week's Tuesday Night Opry, Scotty is on the schedule for the upcoming Saturday night show. 

More on that in a moment, but first, a look at the Friday Night Opry. Scheduled are Opry members John Conlee, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith and Del McCoury. Frequent Opry guest Steven Curtis Chapman will be appearing, as will Easton Corbin, Kelsey Waldon and making her Opry debut, Peytan Porter. 

Saturday night will feature Scotty McCreery. Joining Scotty will be members Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Dailey & Vincent, and Jeannie Seely. Guesting will be John Morgan, A Thousand Horses and making her Opry debut, Lily Rose. 

Friday May 10
7:00: Del McCoury Band, Peytan Porter, John Conlee, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Kelsey Waldon, Connie Smith, Easton Corbin, Don Schlitz

Saturday May 11
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, John Morgan, Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, A Thousand Horses, Lily Rose, Scotty McCreery

As mentioned, Peytan Porter will be making her Opry debut on Friday night while Lily Rose will be debuting on Saturday.

 Peytan Porter, during her first-ever headlining show in Nashville, shared that she received a call from Ashley McBryde, a friend, mentor and musical influence, marking one of Porter's lifelong dreams by inviting her to play the Opry. "I'm so excited and honored to be making my Opry debut," Porter said. "It's like my wedding day. While most girls dream about getting married, I've always dreamt about playing the Opry. I can't believe it's finally my turn to step into the circle." Porter reached another career milestone recently, wrapping her first-ever headlining shows dubbed the "The Road To Grown." The shows took place in her current home of Nashville and Atlanta, not far from where she was raised. Porter recently dropped her EP "GROWN." 

Lily Rose is poised to mark a significant milestone in her career as she makes her Opry debut on Saturday night. She will step into the circle the day following the release of her forthcoming EP Runnin’ Outta Time, arriving on Friday, May 10.

In a heartfelt announcement shared on social media, Rose reflected on her whirlwind journey, tracing back to her humble beginnings stocking shelves at the Opry Mills Mall as a young artist. “It all started in 2016 when I was stocking shelves overnight at this mall right here, trying to make my dreams come true,” shares Rose. “It’s called Opry Mills Mall because it’s next to the Grand Ole Opry, where I’m going to be making my debut on May 11.”

Rose’s rise to fame accelerated in 2020 with her now Gold-certified smash “Villain,” which led to a nomination for New Female Artist of the Year at the 2022 ACM Awards, as well as recognition from GLAAD as their Outstanding Breakthrough Artist. The Grand Ole Opry debut announcement comes just weeks after plotting Runnin’ Outta Time: The Live Immersive Experience. Set to take the stage on the eve of her EP release at Nashville’s newly renovated Cannery Hall on Thursday, May 9, the one-night-only experience for fans and industry alike will showcase Rose’s dynamic headline-caliber performance and poignant storytelling in a perfectly blended musical and visual experience.

Since her breakout with “Villain” in 2020, the Big Loud Records / Back Blocks Music / Mercury Records artist has built an international fanbase with songs “I Don’t Smoke,” “Remind Me Of You,” “Whatcha Know About That,” and more. Runnin’ Outta Time adds six more songs to her catalog with “The Goal,” “Back Pew,” “Parking Lot,” True North,” “Two Flowers,” and the title track, “Runnin’ Outta Time.”

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday May 11, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Charlie Walker (host): Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Stu Phillips (host): Willis Brothers, Lonzo & Oscar
7:00: Roy Acuff (host): Del Wood, Bobby Lewis, Brother Oswald, Jim Mundy
7:30: Archie Campbell (host): Crook Brothers, Phil Campbell, Ray Whitley, Tommy Jones
8:00: George Morgan (host): Grandpa Jones, Bill Carlisle, Lorrie Morgan, Ramona Jones
8:30: Billy Grammer (host): Marion Worth, Justin Tubb, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Charlie Walker (host): Willis Brothers, Lonzo & Oscar, Ernie Ashworth
10:00: Stu Phillips (host): Bill Carlisle, Jim Mundy
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Bobby Lewis
10:30: George Morgan (host): Grandpa Jones, Lorrie Morgan
10:45: Justin Tubb (host): Del Wood, Crook Brothers
11:00: Archie Campbell (host): Tommy Jones, Phil Campbell, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam & Kirk McGee
11:30: Billy Grammer (host): Marion Worth, Louie Roberts, Billy Grammer, Jr. 

(Connie Smith was scheduled for both shows but cancelled).

Finally, I was going through my files and found this lineup from May 11, 1935. I assume it is pretty accurate, but I wasn't there that night so I can't confirm that fact. 

7:30: Smilin' Jack and his Missouri Mountaineers
7:45: Delmore Brothers
8:00: Possum Hunters
8:10: Uncle Dave Macon
8:20: Gully Jumpers
8:30: Arthur Smith and Dixie Liners
8:42: Sarie and Sallie
8:47: Smilin' Jack and his Missouri Mountaineers
9:00: Lasses and Honey
9:15: Curt Poulton and his Guitar
9:25: DeFord Bailey
9:30: Possum Hunters
9:40: Uncle Dave Macon
9:50: Smilin' Jack and his Missouri Mountaineers
10:05: Delmore Brothers
10:10: Arthur Smith and Dixie Liners
10:20: Crook Brothers Band
10:30: Fruit Jar Drinkers
10:45: Robert Lunn
10:50: Crook Brothers Band
11:00: Binkley Brothers Band
11:30: Gully Jumpers
11:20: Delmore Brothers
11:30: Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:40: DeFord Bailey
11:50: Binkley Brothers

I think I got it all correct!! 

Ok, to be fair, I mentioned Jon Pardi and Sara Evans in my opening paragraph. Jon has made one Opry appearance in 2024 and did appear on one of the Opry Country Christmas Shows in 2023. Sara, on the other hand, has not appeared since joining the cast in October, over six months ago. In looking at both Jon and Sara's schedules, there appear to be no upcoming Opry dates listed. I remember being at the Opry on the night of Sara's induction and listening to her say how much the Opry meant to her and the honor of being a member. Actions speak louder than words. 

That covers it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. Take care and stay safe.