The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the first shows on 2018 and both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry have pretty solid line-ups. As we have seen from 2017, the line-ups are thin on Opry members, with six scheduled both nights, but offering a nice collection of guest artists.

Grand Ole Opry members scheduled to appear both nights include Connie Smith, Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky and Bill Anderson. Joining those four on Friday night will be Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, while Jeannie Seely and Bobby Osborne are set to appear on Saturday.

As to guest artists this weekend, Dick Hardwick is scheduled for both nights. Dick has been making a number of  Opry appearances over the past several months and he is scheduled for a few more already in 2018. Some have asked who Dick actually is. He is described this way on his website, "A corporate comedian who can provide clean corporate comedy entertainment for your company's conventions, meetings and special events, Dick Hardwick is one of the most sought-after corporate and special event comedians in the country. Dick is known for his quick wit, off-the-wall sense of humor and ability to know what works for any audience each and every time he hits the stage." I have to admit that I never heard of him until he started appearing on the Opry last year.

Joining Dick on Friday night, and giving the night a little bit of a gospel flavor, will be the Gaither Vocal Band and The Isaacs. Also scheduled are Drew Baldridge, Lindsay Ell and the legendary Moe Bandy. Saturday night, in addition to Dick, Duke of Hazzard star John Schneider is scheduled, along with Carly Pearce, William Michael Morgan and Jerry Douglas.

Friday January 5
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider; The Isaacs
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Lindsay Ell; Moe Bandy
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Drew Baldridge; Dick Hardwick
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Gaither Vocal Band

Saturday January 6
7:00: Connie Smith (host); John Schneider; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Carly Pearce
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Dick Hardwick; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); William Michael Morgan; Jerry Douglas

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from the first weekend in January 10 years ago, the weekend of January 4 & 5, 2008:

Friday January 4
8:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Jeff Bates
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Doyle Dykes
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Lady Antebellum
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jean Shepard; The Isaacs

Saturday January 5
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; The Wrights
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Chuck Wicks
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Connie Smith; Infamous Stringdusters
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Doyle Dykes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Darryl Worley

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; The Wrights
10:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; Chuck Wicks
10:30: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Doyle Dykes; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Infamous Stringdusters; Darryl Worley

Now here is the line-up from 25 years ago, Saturday January 2, 1993:

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Skeeter Davis; Jack Greene
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Roy Drusky; Brother Oswald; Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jan Howard; Jim Owen
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Lorrie Morgan; Del Reeves; John Conlee; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Riders In The Sky; Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Louvin; The 4 Guys; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Wilma Lee Cooper; Jack Greene; Ray Pillow
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Whites; Billy Walker
10:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bill Carlisle
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Owen
10:45: Bill Monroe (host); John Conlee; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Connie Smith; Mike Snider; Del Reeves; The 4 Guys
11:30: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Jeanne Pruett; Johnny Russell

It was the first weekend of January 20 years ago, January 3, 1998 that Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his final appearance on the Opry. During the 2nd show that evening, as Grandpa came off stage after hosting his segment, he suffered a stroke that resulted in his immediate hospitalization. Over the next month, his health would continue to decline until passing away on February 19, 1998.

Louis Marshall Jones was born on October 20, 1913 in Niagara, Kentucky. He spent his teenage years in Akron, Ohio where he began singing country music on radio station WJW. In 1931, he joined the Pine Ridge String Band, which provided the musical accompaniment for the Lum and Abner show. By 1935, Louis had relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, where he met musician and songwriter Bradley Kincaid, who gave Louis the nickname "Grandpa" because of his off-stage grumpiness at early-morning radio shows. Jones liked the name and decided to create a stage persona based around it.

Performing as Grandpa Jones, he played the guitar and banjo, yodeled, and sang old-time ballads. By 1937, he had made his way to West Virginia where Cousin Emmy taught him the clawhammer style of banjo playing, which would define Grandpa though out his career. In 1942, he joined WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he met fellow musician Merle Travis. In 1943 they made their recording debuts together for King Records. In 1944 he had his first hit, "It's Raining Here This Morning."

Toward the end of World War II he enlisted in the United States Army. When he was discharged in 1946, he returned to recording for King Records. In March 1946 he moved to Nashville and started performing on the Grand Ole Opry. That same year he married Ramona Riggins, who was also an accomplished musician. His most famous songs were "T For Texas,""Are You From Dixie,""Night Train To Memphis,""Mountain Dew," and "Eight More Miles To Louisville" all of which Grandpa would perform on a regular basis on the Opry.

In 1969 he joined the cast of Hee Haw, where he became one of the most beloved cast members. On the show he was involved in a number of comedy skits and played the banjo, often teaming up with fellow Opry member and best friend David "Stringbean" Akeman. A favorite skit had an off-camera cast member ask, "Hey Grandpa, what's for supper?"

In 1978 Grandpa Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and in 1984 his autobiography, "Everybody's Grandpa: Fifty Years Behind The Mike" was published. Additionally, Grandpa was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years.

Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday January 3, 1998, the final night that Grandpa Jones appeared on the Opry:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Wilma Lee Cooper: Wedding Bells
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
John Conlee (host): As Long As I'm Rocking With You
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
John Conlee: Domestic Life

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Brother Oswald: Prairie Queen
Jimmy C Newman: Gumbo Song
Osborne Brothers: World of Forgotten People/Rocky Top
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: Milwaukee, Here I Come

7:30: Standard Candy
Johnny Russell (host): Someday I'll Sober Up
Ricochet: Connected at the Heart
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
Tracy Byrd: Don't Take Her, She's All I Got
Riders In The Sky: Always Drink Upstream from the Herd
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Ricky Skaggs: Dim Lights, Thick Smoke
Vince Gill: The Key to Life
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle

8:30: Clifty Farms
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
The Whites: Pins & Needles
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
The 4 Guys: I'm Bound for Higher Ground
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General Stores
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses
Riders In The Sky: Where the Bloom is on the Sage
Ricochet: She's Got Her Daddy's Money
Christie Lynn: Walk Softly on My Heart
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: Forty Miles from Poplar Bluff

10:00: Opry Book
Grandpa Jones (host): Stop That Ticklin' Me
Tracy Byrd: Roly Poly/Watermelon Crawl
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

10:15: Banquet
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

10:30: Purnells
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Osborne Brothers: Beneath Still Waters
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe

10:45: MTD
Ricky Skaggs (host): Hold What 'Cha Got
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
Opry Square Dance Band: Durang's Hornpipe
Ricky Skaggs: I'm Lost and I'll Never Find the Way

11:00: Coca-Cola
Mike Snider (host): The Whole World Smiles With You
Del Reeves: A Lover's Question
The Whites: Swing Down, Sweet Chariot
Vince Gill: A River Like You/The Key to Life
Tom Brantley: Wheel Hoss

11:30: Opry Book
Johnny Russell (host): Got No Reason Now for Going Home
The 4 Guys: Moments to Remember
Charlie Walker: Who'll Buy the Wine
Stu Phillips: Dust in My Eyes
Johnny Russell: Ain't You Even Gonna Cry

Other notable events that took place during the first weekend in January included Charley Pride's debut on the Grand Ole Opry, which took place on January 7, 1967. Over the next several decades, Charley would be asked numerous times to become an Opry member, however he declined each time until finally becoming a member on May 1, 1993. It was January 7, 1995 that Hank Snow marked his 45th year as an Opry member. Hank joined the Opry on January 7, 1950. And finally, it was on Saturday January 4, 1969 that Dolly Parton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Dolly, this will be her 49th year as a member.

Since 2018 will mark Charley Pride's 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, let's look back to that Opry debut 51 years ago on January 7, 1967:

7:30: Luzianne
Bobby Lord (host): Out Behind the Barn
Margie Bowes: Come on Home
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Minnie Pearl: Maple on the Hill
Bobby Lord: Old Enough to Die
Stringbean: Run, Little Rabbit; Run
Ernie Ashworth: The D.J. Cried
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Gonna Have Myself A Ball
Charlie Louvin: I Think I'll Go Somewhere & Cry Myself to Sleep
Bill Carlisle: Doctor R.D.
Jean Shepard: I'd Rather Be the One
Flatt & Scruggs: Call Me on Home, Too
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Flatt & Scruggs: You Are My Flower
Uncle Josh: Just Joshin'
Flatt & Scruggs: Nine Pound Hammer

8:30: Stephens
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Justin Tubb: Take a Letter Miss Gray
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Hero's Death
Ray Pillow: Common Colds & Broken Hearts
Cousin Jody: I Miss Him So
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Satisfied

9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): Filipino Baby
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once for Me
Jim & Jesse: Cotton Mill Man
Charley Pride: The Snakes Crawl at Night
Ernest Tubb: Another Story; Another Time; Another Place
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Fruit Jar Drinkers: The Old Hen Cackle
Steve Chapman: Wildwood Flower

9:30: Kellogg's
Willis Brothers (host): Cimarron
Tex Ritter: High Noon
Osborne Brothers: The Kind of Woman I Got
Marion Worth: Burning Bridges
Willis Brothers: When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Tex Ritter: Take Him Fishin'
Willis Brothers: If I Can Help Somebody

10:00: Schick
Flatt & Scruggs (host): My Saro Jane
Stringbean: Walk Up, Little Betty
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
Flatt & Scruggs: Mama, You've Been on My Mind
Earl Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Special

10:15: Pure
Charlie Louvin (host): Apartment #9
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make a Woman Lose Her Mind
Jim Ed Brown: Yesterday
Cousin Jody: Jody's Chimes
Charlie Louvin: Off & On

10:30: Buckley's
Ray Pillow (host): And I Like That Sorta Thing
Jean Shepard & Ray Pillow: Willingly
Del Wood: Melinda
Ray Pillow: "If" Is a Mighty Big Word

10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): Answer the Phone
Bill Carlisle: What Kinda Deal is This
Wilburn Brothers: Just To Be Where You Are
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel

11:00: Coca-Cola
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): It Started Again
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Jim & Jesse: Don't Let Nobody Tie You Down
Charley Pride: I Can't Help It
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Jim & Jesse: Memphis
Sam McGee: Wheels
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Wabash Cannonball

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Running Gun
Tex Ritter: Boll Weevil
Osborne Brothers: The Kind of Woman I Got
Marion Worth: There Goes My Everything
Marty Robbins: El Paso
Curly Fox: Listen to the Mocking Bird
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/Bouquet of Roses/I Could Never Be Ashamed of You

There you have it for the first week of January and the start of a new year. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend as the winter run continues at the Ryman Auditorium.

Happy New Year to Grand Ole Opry fans everywhere!!! I hope everyone had a safe holiday and are looking forward to a great 2018. Starting off the new year right, here are the important and historical events that have taken place during the history of the Opry, or regarding members of the Opry, during the month of January:

January 23, 1937: The Lakeland Sisters, Mary and Ann, made their Grand Ole Opry debut. They would only remain with the Opry for about 18 months, making their final appearance on June 4, 1938.

January 14, 1939: The Dixieliners made their final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Consisting of early WSM Barn Dance starts Arthur Smith, along with Sam & Kirk McGee, they made their debut in 1932.

January 16, 1943: Ernest Tubb made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Ernest was so well received that he was offered membership and officially would join the Opry the following month. Over time, Ernest would become one of the legendary members of the Opry.

January 7, 1950: The legendary Hank Snow, the Singing Ranger, made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry and was also made an Opry member that night. Yes, they did things a little differently in those days. Originally from Canada, Hank came to the Opry via Dallas, Texas, thanks to the help and recommendation of Ernest Tubb. That night, Ernest introduced Hank by saying, "From up Canada way, here's the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Singing Ranger, Hank Snow." Hank sang "Brand On My Heart," which had been a big hit for him up in Canada, and a regional hit in the Dallas area. Hank felt that his Opry debut did not go over very well and that he received little audience response. In fact, he told his wife Min that he was not going back. However, she convinced Hank that he owed it to Ernest to return. He went back, and when things did not improve in the coming months, the Opry was considering letting him go. However, "I'm Moving On" was released and the rest is history. Hank remained an Opry member for the next 49 years, until his death in December 1999.

January 7, 1950: On the same night that Hank Snow joined the Opry, Tennessee Ernie Ford made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Unlike Hank, Tennessee Ernie was already an established star and appeared on the Prince Albert portion of the show. While he never became a member, Ernie had an open invitation to appear on the Opry anytime he was in Nashville and he would often take the Opry up on their offer. In later years, he would appear on the Martha White segment, as he was friends with the ownership of the company.

January 1, 1953: Hank Williams was found dead in the backseat of his car in West Virginia. He was being driving to a New Year's Day appearance in Canton, Ohio. Also booked on the show that night were Jimmy Dickens and June Webb, among others. Jimmy ended up not making the trip due to the weather, while the other artists scheduled to appear went ahead and did the show as a tribute to Hank.

January 16, 1953: Opry member Bill Monroe was seriously injured in a head-on car accident on Highway 31 in White House, Tennessee. Bill suffered 19 broken bones in the accident.

January 19, 1953: Marty Robbins made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Marty would join the cast shortly afterwards.

January 22, 1953: The Ozark Jubilee premiered on the ABC television network. The show was hosted by former Opry member Red Foley, who left Nashville and moved to Springfield, Missouri to host the show.

January 29, 1954: Theron Hale passed away. Theron was one of the early members of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming a regular in 1926. He stayed as an Opry regular into the 1930s, after which he would make occasional appearances with Sam McGee. While he was at the Opry, he would be introduced as "Theron Hale and Daughters," which were Elizabeth and Mamie Ruth.

January 22, 1955: Porter Wagoner made his first appearance as a guest on the Opry. He would return and in February 1957, Porter would become an Opry member.

January 12, 1957: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Coopers, along with daughter Carol Lee, came to the Opry from the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, where they were very popular. Stoney would remain with the Opry until his death in 1977. Wilma Lee would continue with the Opry as a solo act, and later celebrated 50 years of Opry membership.

January 1, 1960: Although there is some debate as to the exact date, it would appear this is when Billy Walker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Billy would remain an Opry member until his death in a car accident in 2006. Billy was a very loyal member of the Opry and later in his career, he would often speak up over the reduction of his Opry appearances.

January 9, 1960: Patsy Cline became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While her time at the Opry was very short, Patsy was very influential to a number of female artists, including Loretta Lynn and Dottie West. In a pretty famous story as to how she became an Opry member, after one of her Opry guest performances, she approached Opry manager Ott Devine and asked if she might one day become a member. Ott responded by saying, "Patsy, if that's all you want, you are on the Opry."

January 9, 1965: Norma Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Much as Dolly Parton would do a few years later, Norma Jean joined the cast as she was performing as part of Porter Wagoner's show. She stayed with the Opry until 1967, when she left Porter and Nashville.

January 7, 1967: Charley Pride became the first black solo singer to perform on the Opry. He was introduced that night by Ernest Tubb. Charley sang "The Snakes Crawl At Night," and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You." Shortly afterwards, he was asked to become an Opry member, but declined due to his heavy touring schedule. Over the years, he would be asked several more times, until finally in 1993 he accepted the invitation to join. He was the 2nd black artist to become an Opry member, following DeFord Bailey. (Just to clarify, DeFord Bailey was a noted harmonica player and not a solo singer).

January 4, 1969: Dolly Parton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Dolly's 49th year as an Opry member. Back in the early days when she was with Porter Wagoner, Dolly was a frequent visitor at the Opry. However, as her career expanded, she became like many others as someone who hardly ever appeared on the show. She even commented once that if she was in charge of the Opry, she would fire herself. It was Carl and Pearl Butler, former Opry members, who took a liking to Dolly and helped to bring her to Nashville when she was just 12 years old. While it was a long time ago, Dolly remembered her first night guesting on the Opry: "They used to have this Friday Night Frolics and I went up there one night with the intention of being on it. I kept telling everyone I'll sing just one song. Most of the Opry artists had two spots on the show and I walked up to Jimmy C Newman, who was going to sing his second song next and I told him I wanted to be on. I didn't know why he did it, but Jimmy gave me his spot and I sang a George Jones song." While Dolly didn't know why Jimmy C did it that night, I think she came to realize that was the type of person Jimmy C Newman was.

January 11, 1969: George Jones rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Over the course of his career, George would join and leave the Opry several different times.

January 1, 1971: Tom T. Hall became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will make it 47 years for Tom T at the Opry. After joining the Opry in 1971, he left in March 1975, and then rejoined in 1980. Tom T Hall is now retired and no longer makes personal appearances.

January 13, 1973: Ernest Tubb celebrated his 30th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

January 20, 1973: For the first and only time, Jerry Lee Lewis performed on the Opry. He had always wanted to perform on the show, however the Opry management was afraid to invite him, fearing what he would do onstage. For this appearance, management asked Jerry Lee not to do any rock and roll. He agreed then broke the promise. Appearing on the 11:30 segment hosted by Charlie Walker, he was on stage for almost 40 minutes. In a nice gesture, he invited Del Wood to appear with him onstage, saying later that on a previous backstage visit, Del was the only Opry member that was nice to him.

January 27, 1973: Marty Robbins celebrated his 20th anniversary as a member of the Opry.

January 2, 1974: Grand Ole Opry member Tex Ritter passed away after suffering a heart attack. Tex joined the Opry in 1965 and enjoyed being in Nashville and as a part of the Opry. Tex was also involved in the early days of the Country Music Association and he was just the 5th person to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

January 28, 1976: Skeeter Willis, part of the Willis Brothers, passed away at the age of 58. The Willis Brothers first came to the Opry in 1946 and were well known for their western style of music.

January 22, 1977: Grand Ole Opry member Stoney Cooper appeared on the Opry for the final time. Along with is wife Wilma Lee, Stoney had joined the Opry in 1957. Stoney suffered from heart problems and would pass away in March.

January 27, 1979: Sissy Spacek, who played the part of Loretta Lynn in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" joined Loretta for an appearance on the Opry.

January 20, 1984: Future Grand Ole Opry member Mike Snider made his Opry debut. He was a member of the cast of Hee Haw and was well known for his banjo playing and comedy.

January 11, 1986: Mel McDaniel became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mel would remain an Opry member until his death in 2011.

January 14, 1986: During the Opry's televised 60th anniversary special, Reba McEntire was introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. While this is the date the show was televised, the taping actually took place the previous November, thus the November taping date is considered Reba's actual Opry induction date. This will be Reba's 31st year as an Opry member.

January 14, 1989: Hubert Gregory of the Fruit Jar Drinkers passed away. Hubert's career at the Opry, as with the Fruit Jar Drinkers, dates back to the early days of the Opry. Like many others of that era, Hubert performed with many different groups, including with Sam & Kirk McGee.

January 20, 1990: Hank Snow celebrated his 40th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The televised segment on TNN included a reunion of the Glaser Brothers, who were very friendly with Hank. The reunion did not last as the Glaser Brothers never performed together again.

January 10, 1991: Clint Black became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Clint, this will be his 27th year as an Opry member.

January 25, 1992: Introduced by Roy Acuff, Emmylou Harris became the Opry's newest member. This will be Emmylou's 26th anniversary as a member of the Opry. Emmylou has not appeared on the Opry in several years, however she is currently on the schedule for the final weekend in January.

January 22, 1994: Hal Ketchum became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Hal's 24rd year as an Opry member. Once a pretty regular performer on the show, Hal is now based in Texas and very rarely gets back to Nashville and the Opry.

January 21, 1995: Brother Oswald, longtime member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the age of 83, I believe he was the oldest person to join the cast. Oswald came to the Opry in the 1930s with Roy and helped to define the Acuff sound. Thanks to the efforts of Porter Wagoner and Marty Stuart, among others, he became a member. I was there the night of his induction and it was quite a surprise as I don't seem to remember it being announced much ahead of time. Oswald passed away in 2002.

January 3, 1998: Longtime Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his final appearance on the Opry. After hosting his segment on the 2nd show, Grandpa suffered the first of what would be series of strokes. He was taken directly to the hospital from the Opry House. His condition would continue to decline and he passed away the following month.

January 24, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Justin Tubb passed away from a sudden illness. He was the son of Opry legend Ernest Tubb and had joined the Opry cast in 1955. At the time of joining, he was the Opry's youngest member. Not only was Justin an excellent singer, but he was also a fine songwriter.

January 9, 1999: Grand Ole Opry member Boxcar Willie made his final appearance on the show. In declining health, Boxcar had first appeared on the Opry in 1981.

January 15, 1999: The Grand Ole Opry returned to the Ryman Auditorium for the first time since moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. There were three shows that weekend and all were sold out. During the 1st show on Saturday night, Ricky Skaggs invited Trisha Yearwood to become the Opry's newest member. The weekend shows, which I attended, was such a success that the Opry has returned to the Ryman each winter.

January 15, 2000: Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Patty Loveless handled the official induction. He had been asked just the prior evening if he would like to join. After he said yes, the Opry wasted no time and inducted Ralph the following night. Ralph Stanley was an Opry member until his death last year.

January 4, 2003: Hank Williams Jr and Hank Williams III performed together on the Opry in a show that marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams. Also appearing in the tribute that night were Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill and The Whites

January 6, 2006: The Friday Night Opry was reduced by 30 minutes making it a 2 hour show.

January 11, 2007: Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson filed an age discrimination lawsuit against Gaylord Entertainment and the management of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall made several claims, and specifically named Pete Fisher. As the lawsuit played out, Stonewall refused to perform on the Opry, even though he had been asked. Eventually the lawsuit was settled out of court, with Stonewall privately saying that Gaylord made a settlement. Stonewall did see his Opry appearances increase over the short term, however in recent years, Stonewall has pretty much disappeared from the Opry stage.

January 19, 2008: Charlie Daniels became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 10th year as an Opry member. He said at the time of his induction that becoming an Opry member was always a dream of his. Marty Stuart and Connie Smith formally inducted Charlie into the Opry. In 2015, Charlie became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

January 26, 2011: After a long illness, longtime Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin passed away. Along with his brother Ira, Charlie joined the Opry in 1955. After Ira's death, Charlie continued as a solo artist.

January 7, 2012: Charlie Collins performed for the final time on the Grand Ole Opry. While never an Opry member, Charlie spent considerable time at the Opry, first coming to the show as a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, and then after Roy's death, performing with Brother Oswald and with the Opry Square Dancers.

January 21, 2012: Emmylou Harris celebrated 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell and Buddy Miller helped Emmylou celebrate that night.

January 2, 2015: Longtime Grand Ole Opry legend Jimmy Dickens passed away in Nashville. Jimmy had been hospitalized after becoming suddenly ill on Christmas Day. Jimmy first joined the Opry in 1948 and at the time of his death, was the Opry's last link to the pre-Hank Williams of the Opry. Much loved, Jimmy was noted for his comedy songs, but let's not forget that he was also a great ballad singer.

January 9, 2017: Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manger Pete Fisher announced that he was resigning his position to move to California and head up the Academy of Country Music. Pete came to the Opry in June 1999 and had been in charge of the Opry for over 17 years. His final Opry show was on January 20.

January 21, 2017: Crystal Gayle became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Crystal has been asked several months previously by Carrie Underwood to join the cast. On the night of her induction, her sister and fellow Opry member Loretta Lynn handed the official induction.

There you have it for this month. Enjoy!!

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. Before getting to the shows, which are pretty good this weekend, a couple of notes to pass along pertaining to a couple of Opry members:

Loretta Lynn is recovering after falling and suffering a broken hip. According to a posting from Crystal Gayle, Loretta is doing fine and going through her recovery phase. After the stroke last year, and now the broken hip, it really makes you wonder if we will see Loretta performing again. Just a personal opinion: I think her touring days are over and we might see an occasional appearance at her ranch, as she did last fall, or in Nashville, such as when she presented Alan Jackson for induction into the Hall of Fame. I really can't see her doing much else, but then again, it is Loretta we are talking about.

Some have asked about Jesse McReynolds. There really is no news on Jessie. His last Facebook post was in December, commenting on the death of Curly Seckler, then an earlier post thanking everyone for the cards and letters that have been sent to him. If I hear anything else, I will pass it on.

As to the Opry shows this weekend, there are two pretty nice ones with very good line-ups. Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Vince Gill, along with Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Ricky Skaggs, and one of the Opry's newest members, Dailey & Vincent. Joining that very solid group on Friday night will be Riders In The Sky, The Whites, bluegrass Hall of Famer Bobby Osborne and another recently added member, Crystal Gayle. That adds up to 10 Opry members, a very respectable number. Joining the group on Saturday night will be another Hall of Famer, Connie Smith.

Guesting this week on Friday night will be Parmalee and Runaway June. Yes, that is correct. Only two non-members on Friday. Saturday night's guests scheduled include Shelly Fairchild, Exile, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, and Jim Lauderdale.

Friday January 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Parmalee; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Runaway June; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Crystal Gayle
8:45: Vince Gill (host); The Whites; Ricky Skaggs

Saturday January 13
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Shelly Fairchild; Mike Snider
7:30: Dailey & Vincent (host); Connie Smith; Jim Lauderdale
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Exile; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Drew and Ellie Holcomb; Ricky Skaggs

Finally, for those who are in town on Saturday night, hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band. These guys do as good of a job as anyone bringing the down-home mountain music and the classic string sounds whenever they perform. They have quite a following and all are amazing musicians.

Here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from the second week of January 10 years ago, the weekend of January 11 & 12, 2008:

Friday January 11
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Old Crow Medicine Show
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Whites; Rebecca Lynn Howard
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Joe Diffie

Saturday January 12
1st show
6:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Mel McDaniel; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:00: Joe Nicholas; Bucky Covington; Rhonda Vincent; Craig Morgan
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jack Greene; Old Crow Medicine Show; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Del McCoury Band; Bucky Covington
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Whites; Rhonda Vincent
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Joe Nichols; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Old Crow Medicine Show; Craig Morgan

From the second weekend of January 25 years ago, Saturday January 9, 1993:

1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); David Houston
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jim & Jesse; Roy Drusky; Ramona Jones
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host);Jim Ed Brown; Skeeter Davis; Riders In The Sky; Charlie Louvin
7:30: Bill Monroe (host); John Conlee; Lorrie Morgan
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bill Carlisle; Del Reeves; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Connie Smith; The Whites; The 4 Guys

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Stonewall Jackson; Brother Oswald; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Lorrie Morgan; Ramona Jones
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); Billy Walker
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Riders In The Sky
10:45: Bill Anderson (host); John Conlee; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Justin Tubb; Charlie Louvin
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Connie Smith; Bill Carlisle; Johnny Russell

Looking at Grand Ole Opry events that have taken place the 2nd week of January, it was 17 years ago Saturday night, January 13, 2001 that Old Crow Medicine Show made their debut on the Opry.

Some of the award-winning group Old Crow Medicine Show's first performances in Nashville were on the sidewalks outside the Opry House in summer 2000, playing for fans entering and exiting Opry performances. After graduating to the Opry Stage in January 2001, the band quickly became a fan favorite during dozens of Opry performances that followed. Marty Stuart, who introduced the group the night of their Opry debut, later invited the group to join the Opry on August 16, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio.

When the band officially became part of the Opry family a month later, it wasn't lost on the band or on the Grand Ole Opry itself that both entities were quite poetically coming full circle. Old Crow had officially graduated from the Opry Plaza it had played week after week all those years earlier to center stage. The Opry, meanwhile, was adding to its ranks, nearly nine decades into its life, a band with a sound much like groups such as Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys from the show's very early days.

Old  Crow Medicine Show got its start busking on street corners in New York state and through Canada, winning audiences along the way with its boundless energy and spirit. The band members eventually found themselves in Boone, North Carolina where they caught the attention of legendary folk icon Doc Watson, who invited them to play at his Merlefest, helping to launch the band's career. Shortly afterward, the band relocated to Nashville and began its fateful residency on the Opry Plaza. More than a decade later, the band has toured the world, sold hundreds of thousand of albums, and performed at renowned festivals like Bonnaroo, Coachella, and The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Speaking on behalf of the group at its induction evening, Ketch Secor related that years ago members of the band asked themselves if they'd ever make it big in TV. Secor recalled having said, "I don't know about TV, but we might make something of ourselves on radio." Fast forwarding to the present, Secor concluded, "We're standing out here on the most beloved broadcast anywhere on earth. I think we made it big on radio!"

In recognition of the Grand Ole Opry debut of Old Crow Medicine Show, here is the running order of the Opry from Saturday January 13, 2001:

1st show
6:30: WSM Online.com
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back to See
Connie Smith: I'll Come Running to You
Jan Howard: Oh, Lonesome Me
The Whites: Texas To A T/Doing It By the Book
Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius: Lyin' In Love With You/I Don't Want to Have to Marry You

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Brewster's Farm
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Jim & Jesse: I Love Nobody But You
Clay Davidson: Unconditional/Sometimes
BR549: I Told You No 1,000 Times

7:30: Standard Candy
Billy Walker (host): Sing Me A Love Song to Baby
Andy Griggs: You Made Me That Way/Ain't Done Nothing Wrong
Vince Gill: Give Me Just One More Last Chance/If You Ever Have Forever in Mind

8:00: Martha White
Marty Stuart (host): Streamed Lined Lover
Elizabeth Cook: Success
Wilma Lee Cooper: Shake My Mother's Hand for Me/A Beautiful Life
Old Crow Medicine Show: Tear it Down
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
Rick Bennett: Journey Home
Marty Stuart: Martha White Theme

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Mike Snider: Instrumental Melody
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her that Way

2nd show
9:30: WSM Online.com
Porter Wagoner (host): Tell Her Lies and Feed Her Candy
Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius: I Don't Want to Have to Marry You
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
The Whites: Makin' Believe
Vince Gill: Look at Us/If You Ever Have Forever In Mind

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Opry.com
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Holly Dunn: Blue Rose of Texas
Wilma Lee Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Clay Davidson: Unconditional/Sometimes
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:30: Folex/Joggin' In A Jug
Marty Stuart (host): Mister Engineer
Steve Earle: My Old Friend the Blues
Elizabeth Cook: Success
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Old Crow Medicine Show: Raise A Ruckus/Roll Along Mule
Opry Square Dance Band: Black Mountain Rag
Marty Stuart & Steve Earle: Hillbilly Fever

11:00: Coca-Cola
Jeannie Seely (host): Healing Hands of Time
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda
BR549: Storybook Endings/Cherokee Boogie
Jeannie Seely: Make the World Go Away

11:30: Opry at Ryman
Mike Snider (host): Going Across the Ocean
Charlie Walker: Who'll Buy the Wine
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Andy Griggs: Where's the Train/Riding with You
Mike Snider: Instrumental Melody

Among other events that have taken place during the 2nd week of January at the Opry, it was on January 11, 1969 that George Jones rejoined the Opry. George had originally became an Opry member in 1956, however he left for a period of time before returning to the Opry cast. Also, it was on January 12, 1957 that Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper became members of the Grand Ole Opry, while Mel McDaniel became a member of the Opry on January 11, 1986.

45 years ago, on January 13, 1973, Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb celebrated his 30th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ernest came to the Opry in 1943 and would remain an Opry legend until his death in 1984.

Thinking of Ernest Tubb, here is the running order from Saturday January 13, 1973:

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): I Get The Fever
Charlie Louvin: Bottom of the Fifth
Jim & Jesse: Please Be My Love
Stoney Cooper: Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Bill Anderson: Always Remember
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: Did You Ever
Jim & Jesse: Just One of A Kind
Carolee Cooper: Soul Song
Bill Anderson: Don't She Look Good When She Smiles

7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Walker (host): Soft Lips & Hard Liquor
Bobby Bare: Miller's Cave
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Bobby Bare: Come Sundown
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Roy Acuff: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Ray Pillow: When A Man Loves A Woman
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Raining on the Mountain, Now My Love
Billy Grammer: Amazing Grace

8:30: Stephens
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: Hillbilly Song
Jimmy C Newman: Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues
George Morgan: Making Heartaches
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Lonzo & Oscar: Ol' Slewfoot

9:00: Rudy's
Ernest Tubb (host): Baby, It's So Hard to be Good
Jack Greene: Satisfaction
Jeannie Seely: A Farm in Pennsyltucky
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: At Least We Know An Ending When it Comes
Ernest Tubb: Walking the Floor Over You

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Willis Brothers: Lady Godiva
Del Reeves: Before Goodbye
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Glenn Barber: Yes, Ma'am, I Found Her in A Honky-Tonk
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me

10:00: Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
Bobby Bare: I Hate Goodbyes
Charlie Walker: Soft Lips & Hard Liquor
Stu Phillips: Sensuous Woman
Bill Anderson: The Lord Knows I'm Drinking

10:15: Union 76
Charlie Louvin (host) w/Diane McCall: A Man Likes Things Like That
Stonewall Jackson: I'm Not Strong Enough to Build Another Dream
Billy Grammer: Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Stoney and Carolee Cooper: Mansion in the Sky

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Grandpa Jones: Klide, Kitty
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalay
Ray Pillow: Excuse Me

10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)
George Morgan: She's Got to be A Saint
Crook Brothers: Texas Quick Step

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Lonzo & Oscar: Take Me Home, Country Roads
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/ Just Because
Hank Snow: Mary Ann Regrets

11:30: Elm Hill
Del Reeves (host): Six Days on the Road/Truck Driving Man
Justin Tubb & Norma Gallant: Heaven 7-7203
Glenn Barber: Unexpected Goodbye
Marion Worth: Put Your Hand in the Hand
The 4 Guys: Down by the Lazy River
Del Reeves: Trucker's Paradise

One last name that I did want to mention from that 1973 show was Glenn Barber. Glenn was born in Hollis, Oklahoma in 1935. He was known both for his country music and rockabilly, having recorded for Hickory Records. In the 1970's, he released three albums and had 21 singles that hit the country charts, with his highest charting record being "Unexpected Goodbye," which reached No. 23 in 1972. His last chart success was in 1979 after which his recording career ended. Glenn passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee in March 2008.

There you have it for this week. As always, I appreciate those of you who enjoy looking back at the history of the Grand Ole Opry and I will have more of it for you next week. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!

2017 is officially in the books and with another new year upon us, it is time once again for my annual "year in review" of the Grand Ole Opry. Here is a brief look:

2017 brought about the resignation of Vice President & General Manager of the Opry Pete Fisher, who finished up his duties in January. Pete had been in charge of the Opry since June 1999. Replacing Pete was Sally Williams, who would be overseeing the Opry in addition to her other duties with Ryman Hospitality.

After a dry spell of over a year, the Grand Ole Opry saw three new members added in 2017. Crystal Gayle joined the cast of the Opry in January, followed by Dailey & Vincent in March. Later in the year Chris Young accepted an invitation to become an Opry member and he joined the cast in October. While three new members were added, the Opry also experience the lost of one of its members as Mel Tillis passed away at the end of the year following an extended illness. Adding it all up, the Grand Ole Opry started the year with 61 members and finished with 63.

Besides adding new members, there were also a few other highlights this past year, Stu Phillips celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Opry, in what many assume was his last appearance; Reba McEntire came back to the Opry to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her first guest appearance, and was joined by Dolly Parton; Travis Tritt came back after an absence of almost 10 years to celebrate his 25th anniversary as an Opry member and Marty Stuart's 25th Opry anniversary.

2017 saw the Grand Ole Opry produce 218 shows, which is the highest number in any year since Opryland was in operation, and was an increase of 13 shows from 2016. The year also saw the Opry performing several Sunday night shows for the first time in its history. Looking at the breakdown:

Friday Night Opry: 60 (+4)
Saturday Grand Ole Opry: 69 (-1)
Tuesday Night Opry: 51 (+2)
Wednesday Night Opry: 13 (+2)
Thursday Opry Country Classics: 19 (+3)
Sunday Night Opry: 3 (+3)
Saturday Matinee: 1 (E)
Tuesday Matinee: 2 (E)

2017 also saw a change in the requirements of Opry members. While Pete Fisher was the Opry's boss, he was asking new members to commit to 10 shows per year. However, it seems as if that requirement has been reduced to 6 shows per year, and the Opry is also offering :waivers" to those who are unable to fulfill that commitment. And while a few of the Opry's members did not appear in 2017, specifically Garth Brooks, the Opry feels that these members still contribute by the support that they give the Opry, along with the recognition that comes with being a member. There are also those members who assist the Opry behind the scenes, supporting the show in that manner.

So adding it all up, which Grand Ole Opry members made the most appearances in 2016? Well, the leader for the second year in a row was Mike Snider, clocking in with 126 appearances. As to the entire Top 10, here you go:

1) Mike Snider: 126
2) Jeannie Seely: 103
3) Connie Smith: 98
4) The Whites: 90
5) Bill Anderson: 83
6) Riders In The Sky: 72
7) John Conlee: 58
8) Bobby Osborne: 53
9) Ricky Skaggs: 42
10) Jesse McReynolds: 36

The only change among the names on the list from the previous year was Ricky Skaggs joining and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers dropping out. For the Gatlins, who came in with 28 appearances (mostly on the Thursday Night shows), it continues a two year drop from a high of 86 appearances in 2015. And as you can see, the veteran Opry members continue to be the artists carrying the heavy load most weeks.

Continuing with the bench-mark of 10 appearances (which has been used as the standard in the past), here are those who made that number:

Dailey & Vincent: 32
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers: 28
Vince Gill; Del McCoury: 19
Diamond Rio: 15
Crystal Gayle: 13
Lorrie Morgan; Steve Wariner: 12
Charlie Daniels; Oak Ridge Boys: 11

Among the other active members:

Terri Clark; Old Crow Medicine Show; Chris Young: 9
Carrie Underwood: 8
Trace Adkins; Craig Morgan; Rascal Flatts; Darius Rucker; Pam Tillis: 7
Montgomery Gentry; Brad Paisley: 6
Josh Turner: 5
Joe Diffie; Alison Krauss; Little Big Town; Ray Pillow; Blake Shelton; Marty Stuart; Keith Urban: 4
Patty Loveless; Martina McBride; Charley Pride: 3
Dierks Bentley; Hal Ketchum; Reba McEntire: 2
Clint Black; Roy Clark; Loretta Lynn; Ronnie Milsap; Dolly Parton; Stu Phillips; Travis Tritt; Trisha Yearwood: 1

Although retired, Jan Howard made one appearance, and even though he is unable to perform, Randy Travis made 5 visits to the show.

As to active members who did not appear in 2017, that list includes just three: Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris and Alan Jackson.

Members who are retired include Tom T. Hall, Jan Howard, Barbara Mandrell, Jeanne Pruett and Ricky Van Shelton. We are also assuming that Stu Phillips has now retired and probably the same with Stonewall Jackson.

As to non-members, a total of 282 (give or take one) found their way to the Opry stage this past year. Of that group, Mark Willis, with 27 appearances, was the clubhouse leader. The Top 10:

1) Mark Willis: 27
2) Charles Esten: 24
3) Chris Janson: 21
4) William Michael Morgan: 20
5) Tracy Lawrence; Mandy Barnett: 16
6) Carly Pearce: 15
7) Ashley Campbell; Exile; Henry Cho: 14
8) Maggie Rose; T. Graham Brown: 13
9) LOCASH; Charlie Worsham: 12
10) Kristian Bush: 11

When looking at the number of guest artists who appeared this past year, the trend is continuing where there seems less of an emphasis on Opry members when determining the line-ups for the shows. Much of this is due to the fact that outside of the core group of veteran Opry members, there still seems to be an issue getting enough Opry members to perform on every Opry show. As fans, we should all be grateful that there are those who do wish to perform numerous times on the Opry, even though they are not members. And actually, some of those who do guest appearances, wish they were Opry members. However, the membership door has not been opened for those artists.

2017 was another year of growth at the Opry, as in addition to the number of shows, Ryman Hospitality continues to expand the Opry brand. This past year saw the opening of Opry City Stage in New York, that will showcase country concerts, along with broadcasting live Grand Ole Opry shows from Nashville. Additionally, 2017 saw increased attendance at the Opry. Every indication that I received was that financially, it was a very good year.

2018 will be another year of change at the Opry, starting with the renovation of the Opry House. Included in the plans is an expanded ticket office and Opry Gift Shop, along with a dedicated parking lot strictly for the coming to Opry shows. The work is underway with an expected completion date in October.

What else will 2018 bring? Who knows. While there are no 50 year anniversaries to celebrate this coming year, Jeanne Pruett will celebrate her 45th year as an Opry member, while Ricky Van Shelton and Patty Loveless will be celebrating number 30. Charley Pride, Alison Krauss and Joe Diffie will hit their 25th anniversary in 2018, Diamond Rio will celebrate their 20th year at the Opry while Charlie Daniels, Carrie Underwood and Craig Morgan will celebrate their 10th year as members. Regardless what all happens this coming year, I will continue to be a fan of the Opry and will continue to support the show, both by attending and listening.

As I conclude, and I mention this every year, my thanks again to all who read the blog, especially those who take the time to comment, or email questions and other personal thoughts to me. I always enjoy hearing from everyone. Special thanks go to those who I have met not only this past year, but in other years, while attending Opry shows. I have made many special friends and it is always great to put a face with a name. To those who I have never met, either due to distance or timing, don't despair. It could still happen someday. Again, my thanks to all!!!

(*As a disclaimer, the recorded number of appearances is based on the tracking that I do of each Opry show. If there is an error, such as a missed appearance, my apologies. Additionally, the thoughts and opinions written are those of myself, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Grand Ole Opry or its management).

It is winter time in Nashville and the ice and cold wrecked last week's Friday Night Opry as there were numerous cancellations. Saturday was better with no weather related cancellations. As to this weekend, hoping the weather is better both for the artists and those planning to attend.

Looking at the schedule for the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, only two Opry members are scheduled for both nights: John Conlee and Mike Snider. Friday night they will be joined by Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Bill Anderson, and Dierks Bentley, who gets the entire last segment to himself. On Saturday night, Jeannie Seely, Bobby Osborne and Connie Smith will be joining John and Mike.

Guesting both nights this weekend will be one of the bright young talents in country music, Charlie Worsham. I have seen Charlie perform on the Opry numerous times and he always does a great job. He is a talented singer and songwriter. Joining Charlie on Friday night will be Tegan Marie and comedian Henry Cho. Saturday night, in addition to Charlie, will be "Nashville" star Charles Esten, veteran artists Darryl Worley and Lee Greenwood.

Friday January 19
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Tegan Marie; Charlie Worsham
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Henry Cho
8:45: Dierks Bentley

Saturday January 20
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Worsham; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne (host) & The Rocky Top X-Press; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Lee Greenwood

I honesty do not know what format the Opry is going to use on Saturday night. It has been decades since Bobby Osborne hosted a segment, and when he did it was with Sonny. So we can't really say if Bobby is going to host or not. Currently there is just one segment with three artists, one of which is Jeannie Seely who cancelled due to her husband's illness and medical condition last weekend. Gene is still in the hospital (as of Wednesday night) and not out of the woods, so there is a possibility that Jeannie may cancel again. Rend Collective was originally on the schedule for the last segment on Saturday but they have been taken off the schedule. So who knows if it will be the Tuesday format or what? What we do know is that there are 9 artists set for each night.

And a note regarding Charles Esten. Even with "Nashville" finishing up its run and going into syndication, it is still nice to see that Charles hasn't forgotten where the Opry is. Most of the other actors from the show have stopped coming to the Opry and have gone back to acting. However, Charles seems to want to make a go at his music career, and while I know there are a number of people who do not care for him, I find him entertaining. Sometimes you have to see someone in person versus hearing them on the radio, and Charles is one of those artists. He definitely comes across better in person.

Now, from 10 years ago, Grand Ole Opry line-up from the 3rd weekend in January, the 18th & 19th, 2008.

Friday January 18
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Carolina Rain
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; The Steeldrivers
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Buddy Jewell
9:30: Charley Pride (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett

Saturday January 19
1st show
6:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:00: Marty Stuart (host); Montgomery Gentry; Connie Smith; Charlie Daniels Band
8:00: Charley Pride (host); Jan Howard; Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mel Tillis

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mel Tillis
10:00: The Whites (host); Del McCoury Band; Montgomery Gentry
10:30: Charley Pride (host); Jack Greene; Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Daniels Band

It was during the televised portion on the Saturday night show that Charlie Daniels became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Marty Stuart handled the honors and among those joining Marty and Charlie on the televised segment were Montgomery Gentry, who the following year would be invited by Charlie to become Opry members themselves.

From the third weekend of January 25 years ago, Saturday January 16, 1993:

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Roy Drusky; Patty Loveless
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Ricky Van Shelton; Alan Jackson; Barbara Mandrell; Waylon Jennings
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Marty Stuart; Mike Snider; Brother Oswald; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Del Reeves; The 4 Guys; Joe Diffie

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim & Jesse; Barbara Mandrell
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Alan Jackson
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Marty Stuart; Ricky Van Shelton
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
10:45: Stonewall Jackson (host); Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Patty Loveless; Justin Tubb; Bill Carlisle; Charlie Walker
11:30: Bill Monroe (host); Joe Diffie; Mike Snider; Cody Kilby

Some nights are better than others at the Opry and you can safely say that the 1993 show was one of those better nights. So good in fact, here is the actual running order of the show from that night:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Connie Smith: Once A Day
Bill Anderson: This Is A Love Song

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Nashville on My Mind
Jan Howard: The One You Slip Around With
Billy Walker: Come A Little Bit Closer
Grandpa Jones: Four Stoned Walls & A Ceiling

7:00: Shoney's
Ricky Skaggs (host): Heartbroke
The Whites: Makin' Believe
Roy Drusky: Always
Patty Loveless: Timber, I'm Falling in Love/If My Heart had Windows
Ricky Skaggs: Loving Only Me

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Y' All Come
Ricky Van Shelton: Statue of A Fool
Alan Jackson: Don't Rock the Jukebox/She's Got the Rhythm' I've Got the Blues
Barbara Mandrell: A Country Road/Wish You Were Here/If Loving You is Wrong/The Angel in Your Arms/Only A Lonely Heart Knows
Porter Wagoner & Waylon Jennings: Good Hearted Woman

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home
Marty Stuart: Steer Me on the Righteous Pathway/I'm Working on a Building
Mike Snider: Puttin' on the Dog
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Opry Square Dance Band/ Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Bill Monroe: The Walls of Time

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Fraulein
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
The 4 Guys: Way Down Deep
Joe Diffie: Startin' Over Blues/Is It Cold in Here
Hank Snow: The Prisoner's Song

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away (From Coming Home)
Jim & Jesse: Headin' West
Barbara Mandrell: I Wish that I Could Fall in Love Today/Years/Crackers/Sleeping Single In A Double Bed/Only A Heart Knows
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Act Right

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Alan Jackson: Way Down Yonder on the Chattahoochee/Tonight I Climbed the Wall
Bill Anderson (host): Still

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Don't 'Cha Cry, Melinda
Marty Stuart: The Blind Man Stood on the Road
Ricky Van Shelton: Somebody Lied
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

10:30: Opry Tours
Ricky Skaggs (host): I Wouldn't Change You If I Could
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Ricky Skaggs: Honey, Won't 'Cha Open that Door

10:45: B.C. Powder
Stonewall Jackson (host): Why I'm Walkin'
Connie Smith: The Deepening Snow
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sail Away Ladies
Stonewall Jackson: A Rounder Called Cotton-Eyed Joe

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Geisha Girl
Patty Loveless: Timber, I'm Falling In Love/If My Heart had Windows
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
Bill Carlisle: Worried Man Blues
Charlie Walker: There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing that Was Good in My Life

11:30: Nashville Network
Bill Monroe (host): Molly & Tenbrooks
Joe Diffie: If the Devil Danced in Empty Pockets/Honky Tonk Attitude
Mike Snider: Look What They've Done to the Dominica Chicken
Cody Kilby: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Bill Monroe: Lord, Let the Gates Swing Wide for Me

Other notable events at the Opry the third week of January included the Opry's return to the Ryman Auditorium for the first time since March 1974, which took place the weekend of January 15 and 16, 1999. It was during the Saturday show that weekend when Ricky Skaggs surprised Trisha Yearwood with the invitation to become an Opry member.

Saturday January 20, 1973 was the date that Jerry Lee Lewis made his only Grand Ole Opry appearance. After promising to keep it short, Jerry played well beyond the time allowed. He even brought Del Wood out for a number with him, commenting that Del was the only Opry member backstage who treated him nice.

Finally, Mike Snider made his Opry debut on January 21, 1984, Stoney Cooper made his final Opry appearance on January 22, 1977, Brother Oswald became the Opry's newest member of January 21, 1995, and Hal Ketchum joined the Opry on January 22, 1994.

To finish it up for this week, let's go back to Saturday January 21, 1984, 34 years ago, when Mike Snider made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells

6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jeannie Seely: When Your Heart's Been Stepped On
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water

7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): Try A Little Kindness
Jean Shepard: City Lights
Roy Drusky: Wings of a Dove
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Wilma Lee Cooper: On the Evening Train
Jack Greene: I'd Do As Much for You/Midnight Tennessee Woman

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Footprints in the Snow
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Billy Walker: You Sang the Songs About El Paso
Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sail Away Ladies
Bill Monroe: I'm  Working on a Building

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim & Jesse: Blue Ridge Mountain Blues
Mike Snider: Shuckin' the Corn/Bells of St. Mary
Connie Smith: You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Forever & 1; Forever & 2
The 4 Guys: Sweet Ruby Red
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Moving On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Lonzo & Oscar: Midnight Flyer
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jack Greene (host): Happy Tracks
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Jack Greene: I'm Going Through Hell for an Angel

10:00: Little Debbie
Roy Drusky (host): Peel Me A Nanner
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Drusky: Somewhere My Love

10:15: Sunbeam
Bill Monroe (host): Molly & Tenbrooks
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
Bill Monroe: Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Teddy Wilburn: Way Down Deep in My Heart
Roy Acuff: Farther Along

10:45: Beech-Nut
Billy Walker (host): When A Man Loves A Woman
Jeanne Pruett: I Oughta Feel Guilty
Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Chicken Reel
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Wilma Lee & Carol Lee Cooper: Where Is America Going
Jim & Jesse: Are You Tired of Hurting Me, My Darling
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Charlie Louvin: Love at Home
Hank Snow: Little Buddy

11:30: Hardee's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Moving On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Boxcar Willie: Cold, Cold Heart/Half as Much/I Can't Help It/Your Cheatin' Heart/They'll Never Take Her Love From Me/Lovesick Blues
Lonzo & Oscar: No One to Hear If He Cries/Lady Down on Love
Jimmy C Newman & Cajun Country: Texas-Cajun

Mike is known for his comedy and his down home mountain music with his string band. He began playing the banjo at age 16. Within a few years, he became the Tennessee State Bluegrass Banjo Champion and was the winner of the Mid-South Banjo Playing Contest. When he was 23, Mike was the National Bluegrass Banjo Champion. He began appearing on Nashville Now with Ralph Emery and in 1987 he joined the cast of Hee Haw. On June 2, 1990, Mike became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, with fellow comedian and Hee Haw star Minnie Pearl doing the honors.

That takes care of it for this week. As you can see, the middle of January has been a pretty busy week in the history of the Opry. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.

When you go back and look at the history of the Grand Ole Opry, every once in a while they have brought in an act that causes you to scratch your head and wonder how they will fit in. This week is one of those weeks as Sister Hazel is on the schedule for Friday night.

For those who are not familiar with the group, Sister Hazel is described as an "alternative rock band from Gainesville, Florida, whose style blends elements of jangle pop, folk rock, classic rock 'n roll and southern rock. Their music is characterized by highly melodic tunes and prominent harmonies."

Sister Hazel was formed in 1993 and has maintained the same basic line-up for the past 25 years. Their first album was released in 1994 and they have been recording since. The members of the group include Ken Block, Jett Beres, Andrew Copeland, Ryan Newell and Mark Trojanowski. According to Newell, their influences include Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page, Van Halen and Eric Clapton. It should be interesting to say the least when they are introduced by Riders In The Sky on Friday night.

As to the rest of the Grand Ole Opry members who will be appearing this weekend, besides the Riders, both nights will feature John Conlee, Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and Connie Smith. Joining that group on Friday night will be the Opry's newest member Chris Young while no additional Opry member is listed for Saturday night.

In addition to Sister Hazel on Friday night, Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy is scheduled, along with William Michael Morgan and Chonda Pierce, who is also scheduled for Saturday night. Joining Chonda on Saturday evening will be Maggie Rose, Michael Ray, Flatt Lonesome, Holly Williams and Restless Heart. That all comes out to 11 artists each night.

Friday January 26
7:00: John Conlee (host); William Michael Morgan; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Sister Hazel; Charlie McCoy
8:00: Connie Smith (host); The Whites; Chonda Pierce
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Chris Young

Saturday January 27
7:00; Mike Snider (host); Maggie Rose; The Whites
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Michael Ray; Flatt Lonesome
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Chonda Pierce; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Holly Williams; Restless Heart

Now here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from the 4th weekend in January 10 years ago, January 25 & 26, 2008:

Friday January 25
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Ashton Shepherd
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Andy Griggs
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; The Steeldrivers
9:30: Vince Gill (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Patti Page

Saturday January 26
1st show
6:30: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Rockie Lynne
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Ray Pillow (host); Connie Smith; The Wrights
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Patti Page; Restless Heart

2nd show
9:30: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Rockie Lynne
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
10:30: Vince Gill (host); The Wrights; Patti Page; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Grascals; Restless Heart

From the last weekend in January 25 years ago, Saturday January 23, 1993:

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Justin Tubb
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jimmy Dickens; Roy Drusky
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Osborne Brothers; John Conlee; Holly Dunn
7:30: Del Reeves (host); Radney Foster; Patty Loveless
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Ricky Skaggs; Connie Smith; The 4 Guys; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett; John Conlee; Stonewall Jackson; Holly Dunn
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Skeeter Davis; Billy Walker
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Patty Loveless
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; Brother Oswald; Bill Carlisle
11:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jean Shepard; Ray Pillow; Jeannie Seely; Johnny Russell

Among the events that took place at the Grand Ole Opry during the 4th week of January, it was Saturday January 25, 1992 that Emmylou Harris became a member of the Opry. This will mark her 26th year as an Opry member.

God didn't make honky tonk angels, but if he had, he would have broken the mold with Emmylou Harris. With her crystal-clear soprano, lissome beauty, impeccable instincts, and uncompromising integrity, Emmylou redefined the image and role of women in country music. Few if any artists have so successfully erased boundaries between country, folk, and rock and roll.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Emmylou spent her youth in North Carolina and Virginia. as the daughter of a career Marine, her upbringing was not particularly musical. But during the 1960s she fell in love with folk music, especially Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, and began performing while still studying drama at the University of North Carolina. She moved to Greenwich Village in 1967 to join the burgeoning folk revival, sharing stages with Jerry Jeff Walker and David Bromberg, and released her first record in 1969. On the East Coast club circuit, she met Gram Parsons, and both her career and life changed forever. Gram, formally of the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, became her mentor and singing partner, drawing her into the 1970s country rock movement and strengthening her ties to traditional country music. Emmylou toured and recorded with Gram until his death in 1973.

In 1975 she recorded her first major album, "Pieces of the Sky," introducing her Hot Band, which over the years,included such world-class players as James Burton, Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell, and Ricky Skaggs. Emmylou has enjoyed seven No. 1 hits and 27 Top 10 songs including "If I Could Only Win Your Love,""Together Again,""Sweet Dreams,""Making Believe,""To Daddy," and "Heartbreak Hill." The 2008 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee has 10 gold albums and 12 Grammy Awards, including one for her 1987 Trio album with Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton as well as one for her work on the soundtrack to the motion picture "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

Here is the running order from 26 years ago, Saturday January 25, 1992, the night Emmylou Harris became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:

1st show
6:30: Opry Tours
Boxcar Willie (host): Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Moving On/Gotta Travel On/Night Train to Memphis
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Boxcar Willie: Cowboys & Horses; Hobos & Trains

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
The 4 Guys: Tennessee
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): You Gotta Have A License
John Conlee: I Don't Remember Loving You
Osborne Brothers: Nearer My God to Thee
Lorrie Morgan: Except for Monday/Autumn's Not that Cold
Porter Wagoner: Wake Up, Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vince Gill: Take Your Memory With You When You Go/When I Call Your Name/Drifting Too Far From the Shore
Emmylou Harris: Walls of Time/Blue Kentucky Girl

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
The Whites: Doing it By the Book
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Monroe & Tom Ewing: Body & Soul

8:30: Opryland
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Jimmy C Newman: Mottland
Riders In The Sky: Blue Shadows on the Trail
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down to the River/I Saw the Light/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me
Bill Anderson: Still

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General Stores
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
John Conlee: Friday Night Blues
Emmylou Harris: Guitar Town
Emmylou Harris & Vince Gill: If You Needed Me
Porter Wagoner: Misery Loves Company

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Grandpa & Mark Jones: Arkansas Traveler

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible for A Road Map/Cabin in Gloryland
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): True Life Blues
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Boxcar Willie: Hobo Heaven
Bill Monroe: I'm Working on a Building

10:45: B.C. Powder
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Vince Gill & Patty Loveless: When I Call Your Name
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Lafayette
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her that Way

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): You Can Have Her
Osborne Brothers: Low & Lonely
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin' the Blues
Jean Shepard: Slipping Away
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar

11:30: Cremette
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Riders In The Sky: How Does He Yodel
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back to Tulsa

I know many of us are fans of Emmylou Harris and if there was one Opry member that disappoints me, it is Emmylou. She lives in Nashville and is very active in the community. She still makes personal appearances yet it has been since December 2014 that she has appeared on the Opry. As with everything else, I am sure there is a reason for it. On the advanced schedule for this weekend, she was listed however a few weeks later she was taken off. Let's hope there is no underlying issue with Emmylou and the Opry and that she gets back on the Opry soon.

There you have it for this week. Congratulations once again to Emmylou Harris and let's hope we see her again on the Opry, and much more often. Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!

If all goes well, the Grand Ole Opry will welcome back the legendary Jesse McReynolds on Saturday night for his first Opry appearances since September. Jesse was hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured aneurysm on September 20 and the recovery process has taken this long. Thankfully, Jesse came through the surgery and rehabilitation and is ready to go. I know many of us will be listening on Saturday, especially for Jesse's segment. (Hopefully no setback between now and then).

I am sure emotions will run high on Friday night also as Eddie Montgomery will be making his first Opry appearance since the death of his longtime partner and collaborator Troy Gentry. Troy passed away last September in that horrible helicopter crash and since then Eddie has been formulating his plans going forward and he made the decision to continue forward as Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery. In addition to the Opry appearance, a tour is set for this year.

As to the rest of the Opry members this weekend, Mike Snider, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites will be hosting segments both nights, with Craig Morgan hosting on Friday night. Steve Wariner was originally scheduled to host a segment on Saturday night, however he is ill with the flu and cancelled out. Besides Eddie Montgomery on Friday night, Opry member Bobby Osborne is also scheduled. Saturday night will feature just the five Opry members already mentioned.

When looking at the guest artists scheduled for this weekend, the name Jeanne Robertson caught my eye. While not a comedian, she is a humorist and storyteller. I have seen her on the Opry previously and I thought she did a nice job. Lately, I have noticed that the Opry seems to be making a concerted effort to add comedy to the show. Over the past year, and especially the last several months, we have seen Henry Cho and Dick Hardwick making numerous appearances, and last week Chonda Pierce was on both nights. There has been the occasional appearance by Ray Stevens, T. Bubba Bechtol, Gary Mule Deer, and of course the comedy from Mike Snider. The Opry has a history of presenting comedy and the list of past members include Minnie Pearl, Rod Brasfield, Archie Campbell, Duke of Paducah, Jerry Clower and while musicians, Lonzo & Oscar, Cousin Jody, Stringbean and Grandpa Jones would throw in some jokes now and then. It is nice to see the Opry continue with that tradition.

As to other guests appearing this weekend, the wonderful Kathy Mattea is appearing both nights, while Michael Tyler, Brook Eden and Exile are on Friday's schedule. Saturday night's guests include The Swon Brothers, Linda Davis, Brandy Clark, Delta Rae and Trent Harmon.

Friday February 2
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Michael Tyler; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Brooke Eden; Kathy Mattea
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Exile; Jeanne Robertson
8:45: Craig Morgan (host); Montgomery Gentry/featuring Eddie Montgomery

Saturday February 3
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Swon Brothers; Linda Davis
7:30: The Whites(host); Brandy Clark; Delta Rae
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jesse McReynolds; Opry Square Dancers; Trent Harmon; Kathy Mattea

I still hate it when an artist is forced to cancel and the Opry can't come up with a member who can host a segment.


And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from the first weekend in February 10 years ago, the weekend of February 1 & 2, 2008:

Friday February 1
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; The Whites; Danielle Peck
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Josh Gracin
9:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Buddy Jewell

Saturday February 2
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; James Otto
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Connie Smith; The Time Jumpers
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jack Greene; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Stu Phillips; Old Crow Medicine Show; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); John McEuen w/sons Jonathan & Nathan; Lee Greenwood

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; The Time Jumpers
10:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Connie Smith; James Otto
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Rebecca Lynn Howard; Old Crow Medicine Show; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); John McEuen w/sons Jonathan & Nathan; Lee Greenwood

From 25 years ago, Saturday February 6, 1993:

1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host); The Whites
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett; John Conlee
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The 4 Guys; Charlie Walker; Justin Tubb; Jan Howard
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Connie Smith; Jimmy Dickens; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Jim & Jesse; Ray Pillow; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Brother Oswald & Charlie Collins; Stonewall Jackson; Billy Walker
10:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman
10:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Skeeter Davis
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Mike Snider
10:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jeannie Seely; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Del Reeves; Connie Smith; Charlie Louvin; Mel McDaniel
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Jim & Jesse; Johnny Russell

Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry shows the first weekend in February, it was 42 years ago, Friday February 6, 1976 that Ronnie Milsap became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, while it was 5 years later, February 7, 1981 that John Conlee joined the cast. February 6, 1960 was an important date in the life of George Hamilton IV as that was the night he became a member of the Opry family.

With a catchy, danceable country pop sound, Ronnie Milsap dominated radio during the '70s and '80s and pushed the genre beyond its rural roots and into mainstream entertainment. Born blind in a poor region of North Carolina, Ronnie lived with his grandmother until he was six years old. He attended Morehead State School for the Blind in Raleigh, where he was given strict Classical training. But late at night he listened to his favorite country, gospel, and R&B broadcasts. The music reminded him of home.

Ronnie studied pre-law at Young Harris Junior College near Atlanta, eventually earning a scholarship to Emory. Instead of continuing with law, he threw himself into music, forming his own band. During the mid-'60s, he landed session work, notably on Elvis Presley's "Kentucky Rain" and "Don't Cry Daddy." In 1973 Ronnie moved from Memphis to Nashville. Before one could say "overnight success," he was signed by RCA and released the two-sided hit, "All Together Now (Let's Fall Apart)" and "I Hate You." He followed with "That Girl Who Waits on Tables" and "Pure Love." A year later, he had three No. 1 songs. The flood of his hits made for quite the country music catalog: "Daydreams About Night Things,""(I'm A) Stand by My Woman Man," Smoky Mountain Rain,""Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night),""How Do I Turn You On," and "Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me" all stormed the charts.

Along with multiple gold and platinum albums, Ronnie has earned six Grammys and shelves of other awards, including CMAs and ACMs. In 2014, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Ronnie was formally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Roy Acuff during the Friday Night Opry on February 6, 1976. The line-up from that night included:

7:30: Billy Walker (host); Skeeter Davis; The 4 Guys; Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
8:00: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Stonewall Jackson
8:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jeanne Pruett; Ronnie Milsap
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Charlie Louvin; Bill Carlisle; Ernie Ashworth
9:30: Roy Drusky (host); Connie Smith; Billy Grammer; Del Wood
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Barbara Mandrell; Willis Brothers; Justin Tubb
10:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Hank Locklin; Marion Worth; Stu Phillips

The following night, Saturday February 7, 1976, Ronnie performed on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry for the first time as an Opry member. Here is the running order from the two shows that night:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line/The World Each Day
Billy Grammer: That's Life/God Will Take Care of You

6:45: Rudy's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Curly-Headed Baby
Skeeter Davis: Love Will Keep Us Together
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Tramp on the Street

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Barbara Mandrell: Standing Room Only
Roy Drusky: Sunrise
Ernie Ashworth: Wichita Woman
Barbara Mandrell: Steel Guitar Rag
Roy Drusky: One Day at A Time
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life/The Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home/Indian Creek

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Don Gibson: Sweet Dreams
Marion Worth: You Win Again
Justin Tubb: Looking Back to See
Roy Acuff: Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Gray Eagle
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me

8:00: Martha White
Osborne Brothers (host): Smokey Mountain Smoke
Grandpa Jones: Ball Headed End of the Broom
Connie Smith: 'Til I Kissed You
Charlie Louvin & Pam Dickinson: Don't It Seem to Rain A Lot in Our Lives
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Stu Phillips: A Castle; A Cabin
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ronnie Milsap: Day Dreams
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Brush Arbour: White Line
Hank Snow: The Next Voice You Hear

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Roy Drusky (host): Alone With You
Willis Brothers: Bob
Don Gibson: I Can't Stop Loving You
Skeeter Davis: One Tin Soldier
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Don Gibson: Blue, Blue Day
Roy Drusky: Bouquet of Roses

10:00: Fender
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Sunshine
Barbara Mandrell: Satisfied
Del Wood: The Entertainer
Porter Wagoner: The Last One to Touch Me

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Traveling the Highway Home
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Heartbreak Street
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird/I Saw the Light

10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones (host): Nashville on My Mind
Osborne Brothers: Smokey Mountain Smoke
Billy Grammer: That's Life
Grandpa Jones: Make Me A Pallet Down on the Floor

10:45: Beech-Nut
Hank Locklin (host): The Sweetest Mistake I Ever Made
Connie Smith: "Til I Kissed You
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
Stu Phillips: Only You Can Hush the Wind
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Ernie Ashworth: Wichita Woman
Kirk McGee: My Darling Rose Malone
Hank Snow: Mary Ann Regrets

11:30: Elm Hill
Charlie Louvin (host): I Just Want Out
Jeanne Pruett: Break my Mind/Satin Sheets
Ronnie Milsap: Lovesick Blues/Just in Case/Day Dreams
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Charlie Louvin & Pam Dickinson: If I Could Only Win Your Love

Again, congratulations to Ronnie Milsap upon his 42nd anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. And as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!

Welcome to February, or as we say here in Ohio, the dead of winter!! But on the positive side, pitchers and catchers report to spring training on February 14 which means spring is right around the corner, so we have that to look forward to. Now, as usual, here are the important or historical events that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or in regards to members of the Opry, during the month of February:

February 9, 1914: Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb was born in Crisp, Texas. Ernest came to the Opry in the early 1940s and immediately became of the Opry's most important and influential members. He was known fro helping new artists and that list includes Hank Snow, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Jack Greene and Cal Smith, among many others. In 1947 he opened the first Ernest Tubb Record Shop and shortly after started the Midnight Jamboree. Ernest was one of the first members to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and he was a proud supporter of country music and those who came from the state of Texas. Ernest remained an Opry member until his death in 1984, after a period of declining health.

February 18, 1914: Early Grand Ole Opry member Frank Kuczynski was born. Perhaps that name does not ring a bell but his stage name does: Pee Wee King. Pee Wee, along with his Golden West Cowboys, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1937 and was one of the first professional entertainers to join the cast. Many people forget that Pee Wee came before Roy Acuff. He left the Opry after World War II and moved to Louisville, Kentucky to work in television and eventually his show was broadcast in Chicago, Cincinnati and Cleveland, in addition to Louisville. He always said he would have stayed in Nashville and at the Opry if WSM had branched into television, which they would do later. While leaving the Opry as a member, Pee Wee was a frequent guest. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1974, Pee Wee passed away in 2000 at the age of 86.

February 1, 1917: Mary Jane Dezurik was born in Royalton, Minnesota. Along with her sister Carolyn, these former Opry members were known as the Cackle Sisters. They came to the Opry in the 1940s, staying for only a short period of time, eventually moving to Cincinnati. Mary Jane passed away in 1981.

February 25, 1927: Ralph Stanley was born in the Clinch Mountains of Virginia. This bluegrass legend joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 2000. Ralph passed away in 2016. Some believe that Ralph should receive consideration in regards to the Country Music Hall of Fame, of which I would not disagree.

February 1, 1928: Harry Stone joined WSM radio as a staff announcer. Harry would eventually become the general manager of WSM and become responsible for the Opry. While in that position, he would often clash with Opry founder George D. Hay over the direction of the show. While Judge Hay wanted to keep the rural flavor of the show, Harry saw the value of the show to the National Life & Insurance Company, the owners of WSM, and felt that the show should move into a more professional direction. It was during Harry's time that the Opry moved away from local, amateur talent and began bringing in professional and paid entertainers. Harry remained with WSM until 1950, when he left to pursue new opportunities.

February 17, 1931: Uncle Jimmy Thompson, the first artist to perform on what is now called the Grand Ole Opry passed away. Uncle Jimmy was a part of the Barn Dance until 1927.

February 25, 1932: Faron Young was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1951 Faron joined the Louisiana Hayride, where he stayed until 1954. He then moved to Nashville, becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Faron remained an Opry member until he was fired in December 1964 for failing to meet the required number of annual appearances. While he never rejoined the show, Faron would come back and make occasional guest appearances.

February 2, 1935: The Missouri Mountaineers made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Alcyone Bate described the Mountaineers, who were founded by Jack Shook, as a "sort of Sons of Pioneers group." They stayed with the Opry until 1939.

February 5, 1938: Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans made their second appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. His first appearance had taken place several months earlier and was not considered a success. This time around, Roy performed "The Great Speckled Bird" and WSM was overwhelmed with an avalanche of mail. As a result, Roy was asked to become an Opry regular, or member, and it became official on February 19. Along with Pee Wee King, Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe and Eddy Arnold, Roy would help lead the shift of the Opry's focus to professional singers rather than the instrumental groups that had been the main focus of the show. The week after he joined, Harry Stone suggested to Roy that the name of his group be changed and since Roy was from the Knoxville area, he went with Smoky Mountain Boys. Except for a brief year in the 1940s, Roy would remain with the Opry until his death in November 1992.

February 18, 1939: The Andrew Brothers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. They were brought to the Opry specifically to replace the Delmore Brothers, who had left the show. While I have never heard The Andrew Brothers, I have heard that they were fine harmony singers.

February 13, 1943: Ernest Tubb became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.

February 21, 1948: Jimmy Dickens made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He performed "John Henry" and "I Dreamed of An Old Love Affair." Several months later, Jimmy would become a member of the Opry.

February 2, 1949: Future Grand Ole Opry member Hank Snow met current Opry member Ernest Tubb for the first time. The meeting led to the efforts by Ernest to get Hank on the Opry, which finally took place in January 1950.

February 26, 1949: Rose Maddox and her brothers made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Rose and the group would later become Opry members, however their stay at the Opry was very short. There are several different versions as to why they left.

February 18, 1950: One of the Opry's early competitors, the WSB Barn Dance, based in Atlanta, Georgia, took place for the final time. The show, which started on November 16, 1940, was a very popular regional show.

February 23, 1952: Del Wood made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She came to the Opry after "Down Yonder" her famous instrumental single, sold over a million copies the previous year. When Del accepted the invitation to perform on the Opry, she turned down a two week engagement to play with Bob Crosby and his orchestra. Del became an Opry member the following year and would remain an Opry member until her death in October 1989.

February 7, 1953: Marty Robbins made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed two numbers, "Ain't You Ashamed" and "Good Night Cincinnati, Good Mornin' Tennessee." Marty's debut was a success and he would shortly after become an Opry member.

February 26, 1955: The Louvin Brothers, Charlie and Ira, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Some consider them the greatest brother duo in the history of country music. Ira passed away on June 20, 1965 from injuries in an automobile accident that also took the life of his wife and another couple. Charlie would remain a member of the Opry, and have a successful solo career, until his death in January 2011. (As a note, some publications list February 10 as the date the Louvin Brothers joined the Opry).

February 19, 1957: Webb Pierce resigned as a member of the Opry. Webb's time at the Opry was fairly short as he quickly realized the amount of money he was losing by having to be in Nashville every Saturday night.

February 23, 1957: Porter Wagoner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It is safe to say that Porter was one of the Opry's most popular and colorful members and in his later years, was considered the face of the Opry. Porter had made his first guest appearance in 1956 and would later say, "The first night I appeared on the Opry, I came off the stage and went back to the dressing room area, and I met Roy Acuff in the hallway there. And he came up to me and he said, 'Porter, I was awful glad that you're becoming a part of the Grand Ole Opry. We need more of your kind of people here,'" The night of his first appearance, he was introduced by Carl Smith, who would later became close friends with Porter. Porter remained an Opry member until his death in October 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as an Opry member.

February 27, 1959: Billy Grammer joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Famous for "Gotta Travel On" Billy was also a fine guitar player and maker. Billy was a member for 52 years, passing away in August 2011.

February 6, 1960: George Hamilton IV became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. George, who passed away in September 2014, was an Opry member for 54 years. From my own personal experience, George was one of the nicest guys in country music and it was always a joy and pleasure to sit and talk to him.

February 23, 1963: Patsy Cline made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than two weeks later, she would die in a plane crash that also took the lives of Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins, along with Randy Hughes.

February 11, 1967: The Four Guys made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. As the story has been told many times, they were brought back for several encores. Even the the group never had a hit record, they were such a success with their stage presence that they were asked to become Opry members, were they remained until fired in April 2000.

February 22, 1969: Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs made their final appearance together on the Opry. The duo had joined the Opry in 1955, however creative differences caused the two to go their separate ways. While they broke up several months later, each remained as individual members of the Opry.

February 6, 1971: The Grand Ole Opry began performing two Saturday night Opry shows on a regular basis. Prior to that date, the Saturday show ran 7:30 to midnight, although on special occasions the Opry would break it up into two shows, depending on artist and audience demand.

February 11, 1972: Grand Ole Gospel Time, hosted by the Reverend Jimmie Snow, made its debut after the Friday Night Opry. The show would continue for the next 23 years and feature many of the Opry's members, along with other guests including Johnny and June Carter Cash and Dennis Weaver. While the hour long show took place after the Friday Night Opry, it was not aired on WSM until Sunday morning.

February 23, 1974: Former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey returned to the show for the first time since he was fired by Opry founder George D. Hay in 1941. DeFord appeared at the personal invitation of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl, who for years had been trying to convince DeFord to return to the Opry. Before passing away, DeFord would make several more appearances, most often on the Opry's annual reunion shows.

February 8, 1975: After an absence of 18 years, Jimmy Dickens rejoined the cast as a member of the Opry. He was introduced that night by Hank Snow, who noted how much Jimmy had been missed at the Opry and how good it was to have him back. As you might expect, Jimmy sang "Family Reunion." Unlike the first time he joined in 1948, this time Jimmy stayed, until passing away in January 2015.

February 6, 1976: Ronnie Milsap became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Ronnie's 42rd year as an Opry member.

February 7, 1981: John Conlee became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be John's 37th year as an Opry member. As an Opry member, John has been very popular and well received. After he first appeared on the Opry, he was quoted as saying, "I made sure to stand on the circle from the stage of the old Ryman. That circle has been so important to me because so many big stars had stood on that wooden flooring."

February 21, 1981: Just two weeks after John Conlee joined the cast, Boxcar Willie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Boxcar became a country music star late in life, thanks to his hobo character and his late night television commercials promoting his train album. Boxcar had first appeared on the Opry in June 1980 after being discovered in England by Wesley Rose, who brought Boxcar to the attention of Roy Acuff. Lecil Travis Martin passed away in April 1999.

February 20, 1988: The Grand Ole Opry honored Roy Acuff for 50 years of Opry membership. TNN devoted an entire hour long segment to Roy that featured Loretta Lynn and Minnie Pearl. On an additional note, on the same night that Roy Acuff celebrated his 50th Opry anniversary, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton reunited at the Opry for the first time in 14 years.

February 24, 1991: Webb Pierce passed away in Nashville. Webb came to Nashville in 1952 from the Louisiana Hayride and quickly made his first Grand Ole Opry appearance on the Prince Albert portion of the show. When he joined the cast in 1953 he was considered the replacement for Hank Williams. In the 1950s, Webb was one of the biggest acts in country music and because of his heavy touring, he only stayed at the Opry for a couple of years. Webb was also a very successful business man and was involved with one of the first publishing companies in Nashville. In 2001, a decade after his death, Webb was finally elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

February 29, 1992: Travis Tritt became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 26th year as an Opry member. Last year, Travis made his first Opry appearance in 10 years to be recognized upon his 25th year as a member of the Opry. Sadly, he has not been back since.

February 18, 1995: WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer Charlie Douglas announced the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Charlie retired from WSM after coming to the station in 1984.

February 21, 1998: The Grand Ole Opry honored long-time member Grandpa Jones, who passed away earlier in the week from complications of a stroke suffered after an Opry performance. At the show that night, Bill Carlisle, Vince Gill, Ramona Jones and Grandpa's children led the cast in singing "Fallen Leaves," one of the great songs that Grandpa wrote.

February 17, 2001: Brad Paisley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Brad's 17th year as an Opry member. On the night that Brad joined the cast, he wore the bright yellow jacket that Buck Owens wore on the cover of the 1966 "Live at Carnegie Hall" album.

February 24, 2001: While performing on the first show that evening, Grand Ole Opry member Wilma Lee Cooper suffered a stroke which would end her performing career. Wilma Lee did return to the Opry several times after the stroke, once to be honored for 50 years as a member of the Opry, and then when the Grand Ole Opry House reopened after the flood in September 2010.

 February 16, 2002: Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams, Jr. performed together on the Opry in tribute to Waylon Jennings, who had recently passed away. Porter Wagoner was the host of the segment and the four performers  spent an hour on stage singing various Waylon songs and telling Waylon stories.

February 18, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck passed away following a long illness. Johnny joined the Opry in November 1997, at the urging of Johnny Russell. However, within a few years, declining health forced Johnny into retirement. At the time of his death. Johnny was in such poor financial shape that George Jones paid for a cemetery plot in which Johnny was buried.

February 4, 2005: Bluegrass group The Grascals made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming Opry members, they group continues to make guest appearances.

February 26, 2005: Opry member Charlie Louvin was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. He appeared on both Opry shows that night in addition to hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree.

February 16, 2008: Former Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Lord passed away in Florida at the age of 74. Bobby was a popular Opry member who joined the cast in the mid 1960s, leaving in the mid-1970s. At the time, he left Nashville and moved to Florida and got involved in real estate.

February 27, 2009: Opry member Billy Grammer was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. On the same night that Billy was recognized, Jimmy Dickens returned to the Opry after an absence of six weeks following brain surgery.

February 26, 2015: The Grand Ole Opry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

February 28, 2017: Travis Tritt returned to the Opry stage for the first time since 2007, upon the occasion of his 25th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

There you have it for the month of February.

While performing a concert tonight at the Ryman Auditorium, Chris Janson was surprised by Grand Ole Opry member Keith Urban who invited Chris to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry!!!

This is something that many people have speculated, including myself, would happen at some point and tonight it finally happened. Chris has professed his love of the Opry many, many times and expressed his wish to become an Opry member. For Chris, tonight his dream came true.

More details to come.....

Before getting into the Grand Ole Opry line-ups for this week, there is some news and notes that I wanted to pass along:

Jesse McReynolds was originally scheduled for last week's Grand Ole Opry before cancelling. Jesse wrote on his Facebook page this week that he wasn't quite ready and was overly optimistic that he could be back at the Opry. His recovery is going well and he should be back soon.

Bill Anderson was asked in his monthly newsletter about Jan Howard and he wrote that Jan's heath had not improved to the extent that she could sing or perform. He wrote that she has never fully recovered from a fall at her home several years ago but that she does get out and socializes with her many friends. I know many have asked about Jan in the past.

Speaking of Bill, he, along with fellow Grand Ole Opry member Alan Jackson, have been elected to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. This is a huge honor for Bill and quite honestly, it should have happened years ago. He has written a bunch of monster hits, both for himself and for others.

Now some sad news to pass along:


» Chronicle:
Musician George McCormick died yesterday (2/5) at age 84. McCormick moved to Nashville at 14 to play music and work at WLAC. In his 47 years at the Opry, he played guitar and bass, and sang with artists including Jim Reeves, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton and Grandpa Jones. He retired from the Opry in 1998. Visitation is Thursday (2/8) from 5-8pm and Friday (2/9) 11am-1pm at the Baxter chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home (203 S Holly St, Monterey, TN 38574). Funeral services will follow the Friday visitation, with interment in Crest Lawn Cemetery (800 W. Jackson Street, Cookeville, TN 38501).

Also passing away was musician Stu Basore. While some may not recognize the name, Stu was an award-winning steel guitarist who played with Tex Ritter, Kitty Wells, Johnny Wright, George Hamilton IV; and Connie Smith, among many others. He also appeared on the Porter Wagoner Show, WSM's Waking Crew and the Grand Ole Opry. It is Stu's steel guitar that you hear on Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You."

Finally, I wanted to mention Paul Eckhart. Many of you know Paul from seeing him when attending the Opry. In 2014, he was recognized by the Opry for not missing a weekend performance of the Opry in 42 years. Quoting Pete Fisher, "We're going to take time out in the show and kind of let the world know that we think the world of this man and just give him one big public thank you." Paul started going to the Opry on Friday nights (when the show ran longer than the Saturday night shows) and then later switched to Saturday night. He said that his all-time favorite show was the Opry's 75th anniversary, which I would agree with him. Back in 2014, when the Opry recognized him at the age of 83, he had decided to "retire" from attending every week due to his health. However, he could still be spotted at the Opry on special occasions, in the seat that the Opry had reserved for him. I met Paul several times, introduced to him by a mutual friend, and I always enjoyed saying hi and talking to him when attending the Opry. He knew many of the Opry's members, especially Hank Snow. Paul passed away last week and he will be missed by many at the Opry.

Now, let's get to this week's shows, which feature full line-ups.

Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Jeannie Seely, Ricky Skaggs, Mike Snider, Bill Anderson, and Riders In The Sky. Joining that group on Friday night will be Bobby Osborne and The Whites, while Connie Smith is scheduled for Saturday.

Guesting this week on both nights will be Tracy Lawrence and comedian Dick Hardwick. They will be joined on Friday night by Exile, High Valley, Dave Barnes and Devin Dawson. Saturday night Maisy Stella, The Steel Woods, Zach Williams and Charles Esten will be appearing.

Friday February 9

7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider;  Exile
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Whites; High Valley
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Dick Hardwick; Dave Barnes
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Devin Dawson; Tracy Lawrence

Saturday February 10
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider; Maisy Stella
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); The Steel Woods; Tracy Lawrence
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jeannie Seely; Zach Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Dick Hardwick; Charles Esten

The Opry also brings back the Tuesday Night Opry this week. Here is the line-up for this week's show, February 13:

7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Lorrie Morgan
7:30: Jillian Jacqueline; Dustin Lynch
Intermission
8:15: Wade Hayes; Del McCoury Band
8:45: Trace Adkins

For Jillian Jacqueline, Tuesday night will be her Opry debut.

Jillian Jacqueline was born in Chester Spring, Pennsylvania. She moved to New York in her early teens. She began singing at an early age, performing in local coffee shops at the age of seven and at age eight, recorded an album. She then was a part of the Christmas from the Heart Yuletide revue that stared Kenny Rogers and ran for three months on Broadway. She was part of Kenny Rogers touring show for several years after ending the Broadway run. After touring with "Little Women Band," a group that she formed, she left the music business for a short while to pursue her education. In 2010, after completing her studies, she moved to Nashville and began working with songwriter and producer Richard Marx. In 2014 her single "Overdue" which featured Vince Gill on harmony vocals became a major online success with over a million streaming plays. Her Jillian Jacqueline LP was released in 2016. Her follow up single "Reasons" was released in Spring 2017.

Now here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from the 2nd week in February 10 years ago, the weekend of February 8 & 9, 2008:

Friday February 8
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); The Whites; Tennessee Mafia Jug Band
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jennifer Hanson
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jack Greene; Chuck Wicks
9:30: John Conlee (host); Jason Michael Carroll; Gene Watson

Saturday February 9
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; Jake Owen
7:30: Ray Pillow (host); Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Joe Diffie
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jeff Bates; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Mark Chesnutt

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Mandy Barnett
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jake Owen; The Grascals
10:30: John Conlee (host); Jeff Bates; Joe Diffie; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Mark Chesnutt

From 25 years ago, Saturday February 13, 1993:

1st show
6:30: Boxcar Willie (host); Billy Walker
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Ray Pillow; Skeeter Davis; The 4 Guys; Mel McDaniel
7:30: Jack Greene (host); Riders In The Sky; George Hamilton IV; Holly Dunn
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Smoky Mountain Boys; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Roy Drusky; Jeanne Pruett; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; Charlie Walker; Stonewall Jackson; Jan Howard
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Holly Dunn
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); Jim Ed Brown
10:30: Boxcar Willie (host); Jeannie Seely
10:45: The 4 Guys (host); Bill Carlisle; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Justin Tubb; Riders In The Sky
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Roy Drusky; Connie Smith; Johnny Russell

Looking back at the 2nd week of February at the Opry, it was February 8, 1975 that Jimmy Dickens rejoined the Grand Ole Opry cast. Jimmy had been gone from the Opry for 18 years, after originally becoming a member in 1948.

On February 11, 1967 The 4 Guys made their debut on the Opry. As the story has been told many, many times, they were brought back out for several encores. Even though the group never had a hit record, they had such a stage presence that they were asked to become members of the Opry, which they did in April 1967. While various members would come and go, the quartet remained Opry members until being fired in April 2000.

And it was February 11, 1972 that Grand Ole Gospel Time, hosted by Reverend Jimmy Snow made its debut immediately following the Friday Night Opry. The show, which was taped and aired on WSM Sunday mornings, would continue for 23 years, featuring a number of Opry members and guests, including Johnny & June Cash, Hank Snow, Dennis Weaver and even Roy Acuff.

The 4 Guys formed in the late 1950s with an original lineup comprising bass singer Sam Wellington, baritone Brent Burkett, Berl Lyons (all from Steubenville) and Richard Garratt of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Later they landed a vocal back-up spot on WWVA's Wheeling Jamboree. On New Year's Day 1967, The 4 Guys arrived in Nashville. "We were very lucky that first year. Songwriter Bill Brock took an interest and asked Ott Devine, the the Opry's manager, to listen to us and we became the first modern group to join the Opry without a hit record," said group co-founder Sam Wellington. The group joined the Opry cast on April 22, 1967. Through the years the group's line-up changed. Ex-gospel singer Gary Buck, a tenor, came aboard when Lyons left. After Buck and Garratt departed, baritone John Frost and tenor Laddie Cain joined.

Although The 4 Guys recorded at various times for the Mercury, RCA, Collage, and JNB labels, the group logged only three records at the lower end of the charts."We never made any money to speak of from record sales. We just didn't get the promotion," noted Wellington. The group also owned and operated the Harmony House dinner theater in Nashville between 1975 and 1984.

In June 1999, co-founder Sam Wellington made the decision to leave the group. He was the final original member and while the group continued, their Grand Ole Opry appearances diminished. Less than a month later, their Opry membership was terminated. Sam Wellington wrote in his book that when he left, he should have retired the group from the Opry, thus avoiding the termination.

On a personal note, I thought that they always did a great job on the Opry. Sam was a very good host and the group had a lot of energy and very good harmony, even with the various members.

Looking back here is the running order from Saturday February 11, 1967, the night The 4 Guys made their Grand Ole Opry debut:

7:30: Luzianne
Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Maxine Brown: I Heard the Bluebird Sing
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore
Dottie West: What's Come Over My Baby
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Pete Drake: I'm Just A Guitar (Everybody Picks On Me)
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Bob Luman: Come On & Sing
Jim Ed & Maxine Brown: Looking Back to See

8:00: Martha White
Wilburn Brothers (host): Hurt Her Once for Me
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Ray Pillow: I Like That Sorta Thing
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Wilburn Brothers: Just to Be Where You Are
Crook Brothers: Old Hen Cackle
Billy "Crash" Craddock: There Oughta Be A Law
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Wilburn Brothers: All We Have for You, Mom

8:30: Stephens
Billy Walker (host): Things
Bill Carlisle: What Kinda Deal is This
Bobby Bare: Shame on Me
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Billy Walker: Anything Your Heart Desires
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Bill Carlisle: The Great Snoman
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco

9:00: Pet Milk
Charlie Louvin (host): I Don't Love You Anymore
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease, Heart
Margie Bowes: There Goes My Everything
Bluegrass Country Kin: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Want It
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Harold Weakley: Almost Persuaded
Ernie Ashworth: Pass Me Not
Charlie Louvin: Off & ON

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Cousin Jody: I Miss Him So
Jimmy Dickens: A Country Music Lover
Carter Family: Bye; Bye
Hank Snow: A Legend in My Time
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Carter Family: Once Around the Briar Patch
Hank Snow: Hula Love

10:00: Schick
Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Maxine Brown: Where Does the Good Times Go
Dottie West: It's My Way to Survive
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Dottie West: All the World is Lonely Now

10:15: Pure
Bob Luman (host): Let's Think About Living
Wilburn Brothers: I'm Gonna Tie One on Tonight
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore

10:30: Buckley
Bobby Bare (host): I Saw the Light
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Ray Pillow: Two Minus One Leaves Blue
Bobby Bare: Streets of Baltimore

10:45: Kent
Bill Carlisle (host): Shanghai Rooster
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Bill Carlisle: Doctor R.D.

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Billy Walker: Bare With Me A Little Longer
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Confused with the Blues
Sam McGee: Under the Double Eagle
Jimmy Dickens: You Destroyed Me
Billy Walker: A Million and One
Hank Snow: Man Behind the Gun

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Running Gun
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
Curly Fox: Won't 'Cha Come Home Bill Bailey
Don Winters: Annie Lou
Cousin Jody: Run, Please, Run
Bluegrass Country Kin: Ol' Slewfoot
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight/Begging to You/El Paso

There you have it for this week and what a week it was. Really nice to see Chris Janson finally get the invitation to become an Opry member. In many ways, you can compare him with Josh Turner. Josh had the hit "Long Black Train" and made numerous Opry appearances before finally being asked: and Josh always had the dream of being an Opry member. Same with Chris. He finally broke it big and then had to wait for the Opry to let him into the club. Great to see and I am sure it will be a big night when he is inducted.

Enjoy the Opry!!!

Opry Entertainment Group President Steve Buchanan announced on Thursday that he is stepping down in June to take some time for himself and pursue personal projects. "I haven't really wanted to invest a lot of effort or brainpower into figuring out the next move," Buchanan said. "I have film and television ideas and projects, and I'm interested in seeing where they can go and if they can go and when they can go. I really just want to be open to considering new things."

Steve Buchanan has been with the parent company of the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium for 33 years. When he joined the staff at the Grand Ole Opry in 1985, he was the organization's first marketing manager. At the time, he said he had not budget, but was driven to find ways to revitalizing the historic radio show. At the time, popular opinion was that the Opry's relevance to country music fans had faded and many artists and members had lost interest in participating. Buchanan's first step was to entice the public back through the doors and then bridge the gap between the Grand Ole Opry and Music Row. With limited resources to work with, the solution he took was through basic public relations and promotional plans.

One the Opry was on the rebound, Buchanan shifted priorities to the revitalization of the Ryman Auditorium. He said that he had been enamored with country music's Mother Church, but the building had spent years in disrepair. Buchanan created a plan that he hoped would be a catalyst for the space's restoration. His plan worked and he oversaw the Ryman's initial renovation.

"The Opry and the Ryman have been central passions in my life for over 33 years to be exact," Buchanan said. "I look at it as my attachment will never diminish, but there are other things I want to do and accomplish. I have a mix of loss, fear and excitement. But, it feels like the time to make that leap."

Steve Buchanan is also the executive producer of the television show "Nashville" which is ending its run also. The show, originally starring Connie Britton and Charles Esten, was a boon for both Opry Entertainment and the city of Nashville.

I know that Steve along with Pete Fisher, who he hired to be the Opry's general manager in June 1999, brought a lot of changes to the Opry, some of which were controversial. However, during his tenure he added new members, many of whom do show up to support the show, brought the Opry into the modern era through the use of social media and web streaming the show, and significant improvements to the Opry House itself. The entire Opry experience is much different today than it was 33 years ago and it has brought new fans to the show. Many forget that back in the 1980's and 1990's, many considered the Opry a living museum of country music, with the same same group of members performing the same songs week after week. As the older members passed away, and some of the star power disappeared, attendance suffered. The show became old and tired. I can remember shows that I attended during that period that had less than 1,000 attending, especially during the winter months.

As I said, there were some decisions that created controversy, especially to us older Opry fans. Less veterans and legends scheduled, significantly higher ticket prices, shorter shows and less artists per show, however the show did flourish and grow. And I do believe that Steve had a vision and passion for the Opry and for that, we should all offer him our thanks.

I wish Steve Buchanan good luck in his retirement and success in his future products.

I wanted to start out this week by offering my prayers, thoughts and condolences to the family of Daryle Singletary, who passed away this past Monday morning. While never an Opry member, Daryle made numerous appearances on the Opry over the years and always stuck with the great traditional sound that he began with. And while his hit making days ended years ago, he remained a very popular concert draw and always had work out on the road in various clubs and on the fair circuit.

Daryle was born in Cairo, Georgia. At an early age he began singing gospel music with his cousins and brother. Later in high school, he took vocal classes and in 1990 he moved to Nashville to pursue his dream of singing country music. Once in Nashville, he found work singing at open-mic nights at various venues. He eventually found work as a demo singer. One of the demos that he sang was "Old Old Pair of Shoes" which Randy Travis eventually recorded. Randy recommended Daryle to his management team, who helped him sign a recording contract with Giant Records.

He recorded for Giant Records between 1995 and 1998, where he released three studio albums. During that period, he was on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with five singles in the Top 40, with "I Let Her Lie" and "Amen Kind of Love,' both reaching No. 2 and "Too Much Fun" making it up to No. 4. In 2000, he moved to Audium Entertainment, releasing two albums, before moving over to Shanachie Records. In addition, he did a duet album recently with Rhonda Vincent.

Daryle had that true country sound that they don't play on the radio anymore, but as mentioned, he had no trouble finding work out on the road where many fans were looking for the traditional sound. Daryle passed away way too soon but his legacy will carry on.


As to the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, there is one show on Friday and Saturday night. Opry members set for both nights include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider and John Conlee. (It is nice to see Jeannie back on the schedule as she has reported that her husband Gene is doing a little better. Hopefully that improvement will continue). Joining those three on Friday night will be members Diamond Rio, Connie Smith and Bobby Osborne. Saturday night, it will be the first appearance of the year for Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, in addition to Ricky Skaggs and The Whites.

Guest artists for the weekend shows include Mark Willis, who is set for both nights. Joining Mark on Friday night will be Steven Curtis Chapman, Sarah Darling, The SteelDrivers, Jim Lauderdale and LOCASH. Saturday night's guests, in addition to Mark, will be William Michael Morgan, Shelly Fairchild and Charlie Worsham.

Friday February 16
7:00: Diamond Rio (host); Mike Snider; Steven Curtis Chapman
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Sarah Darling; The SteelDrivers
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills
8:45: John Conlee (host); Jim Lauderdale; LOCASH

Saturday February 17
7:00: John Conlee (host); William Michael Morgan; Mike Snider
7:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Shelly Fairchild; Charlie Worsham
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Mark Wills

The schedule has also been posted for Tuesday night:

Tuesday February 20
7:00: Terri Clark; John Conlee
7:30: Carly Pearce; Easton Corbin
Intermission
8:15: Chris Janson; Kelsea Ballerini; Trace Adkins

And no, it will not be Chris Janson's Opry induction. I did a quick scan on the upcoming schedule and I still see no official date listed. I know it was mentioned that it would be later in the spring. My guess is that they are waiting for a confirmation or two from a particular Opry member who Chris would like to formally induct him. Until then, we get another "guest" appearance from Chris. And for those who wondered if this has happened in the past, where a new member is asked and they continue to make appearances prior to their formal induction, yes it has happened. Jeanne Pruett comes in mind in 1973 as she wanted Dolly Parton to induct her and it took a little time for Dolly to be at the Opry as her and Porter were touring pretty heavily at the time. And I sure there have been others, but she is the first to pop into my mind.

Now from the 3rd weekend in February 10 years ago, the weekend of February 15 & 16, 2008:

Friday February 15
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Elizabeth Cook
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Louvin; Cherryholmes
9:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jim Ed Brown; Josh Turner

Saturday February 16
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rebecca Lynn Howard
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jack Greene
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Darryl Worley

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rebecca Lynn Howard
10:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Mel McDaniel; Jim Lauderdale
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Darryl Worley

From 25 years ago, Saturday February 20, 1993:

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Skeeter Davis; Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Roy Drusky; Charlie Walker; The 4 Guys; Charlie Louvin
7:30: Johnny Russell (host); Jeannie Seely; Darryl & Don Ellis; Garth Brooks
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Connie Smith; The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del Reeves; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jeanne Pruett; Garth Brooks
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jim Ed Brown
10:15: Billy Walker (host); Bill Carlisle
10:30: Del Reeves (host); Ray Pillow
10:45: The 4 Guys (host); Darryl & Don Ellis; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Louvin; Justin Tubb; Connie Smith
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Whites; Johnny Russell

For those who might not remember, Darryl & Don Ellis were from Beaver, Pennsylvania. The duo were brothers, whose real names were Darryl Ellis Gatlin and Don Ellis Gatlin. Their highest charting single, "No Sir," peaked at No. 58 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1992. Don Ellis would later write songs on Blake Shelton's first two albums and later formed a second band called Savannah Jack. The Ellis Brothers released two albums, the last one in 1993 that did not make the country charts. In addition to the albums, the brothers released five singles, with only the first three reaching the lower end of the singles charts. By 1994, they were pretty much finished.

Looking back it was Saturday February 21, 1981 that Boxcar Willie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Being reared on Country Music, freight trains, and hobos could have a definite effect on a young boy. And for one young Texan, those early years would someday be the kind of things that legends are made of. Born in the small town of Sterrett, Texas, Boxcar Willie could rattle off country lyrics before he could even talk in complete sentences. As a two-year-old, Boxcar would run to the door as freight trains traveled less than a stone's throw from his home. It was at this young age that Boxcar began imitating the train whistle as he heard it. He was also delighted by the performances of Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb as they picked and sang on the family Victrola. His daddy, a railroad man, would fiddle for the family at day's end, passing along pure Country Music rich in Tennessee ancestry. With a railroad man as the head of the household and a trainyard for a backyard, Boxcar learned a great deal about train hobos. These men taught him a lot with their tall tales and vagabond lifestyles. They would sing, dance, repair things and even fix fancy vittles like rabbit stew.

During his early years Boxcar held many jobs from being a disc jockey to a flight engineer, while playing his music part time. In 1976, Boxcar Willie adopted the now-famous hobo attire into his act. It was at this time that Box and his wife "Miz Box" along with the encouragement of their three children, decided that he should devote all of his time to Country Music. In no time at all a love relationship developed between Box and his ever-growing audiences. Between the tattered cap, weather-worn guitar case and hand-me-down clothes, folks everywhere took a liking to Boxcar's pure country voice and pure gold heart. Not only did things take off in the United States, but his popularity spread like wildfire in England and Scotland.

It is no surprise that the awards started to mount in all three countries. Both "Boxcar Willie" and "Daddy was a Railroad Man" debuted in 1976. What were to follow were more albums: "Boxcar Willie Sings Hank Williams and Jimmy Rodgers,""Take Me Home," and the popular TV advertised "King of the Road, " in 1981 which sold over 3 million copies. Other albums soon followed. Boxcar Willie had 15 Gold albums and four Platinum albums to his credit. During 1978 he collected the International Entertainer of the Year in Great Britain. In 1978 and 1979 he received the Album of the Year in England. In 1981 Boxcar Willie was honored by the Music City News Awards as the Most Promising New Male Artist and that same year became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1985, Boxcar moved to Branson, Missouri and purchased a theater on Highway 76. In addition to the Boxcar Willie Theater, he opened a museum and eventually had two motels, both bearing his name. Boxcar was one of the first big stars to open a show in Branson, paying the way for other nationally-known artists to follow. He performed at his theater, and the Opry, until he died. In 1996, Boxcar was diagnosed with leukemia and would pass away in Branson on April 12, 1999 at the age of 67.

Here is the line-up from Saturday February 21, 1981, the night Boxcar Willie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:

1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Stonewall Jackson (host); Jim and Jesse; Connie Smith
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Billy Grammer; Tammy Wynette; Ernie Ashworth
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Roy Drusky; Boxcar Willie; The Crook Brothers; The Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Wilburn Brothers; Jeanne Pruett; George Jones; David Houston
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Jimmy C Newman; Jan Howard; Kelly Foxton; The Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; The Four Guys; Connie Smith; Vic Willis Trio
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Carlisles; Stu Phillips
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Boxcar Willie
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard; George Jones
10:45: Roy Drusky (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; The Crook Brothers; The Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Billy Grammer; Kelly Foxton; Kirk McGee; The Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jan Howard; David Houston; The Wilburn Brothers

Other Grand Ole Opry highlights from the 3rd weekend in February include Brad Paisley becoming a member of the Opry on Saturday February 17, 2001, while WSM and Opry announcer Charlie Douglas announced his final Opry show on February 18, 1995. On February 20, 1988 Roy Acuff was honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Opry, and on the same night Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton reunited for the first time since 1974. Finally, it was Saturday February 22, 1969 that Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time as a duo.

The Foggy Mountain Boys, founded by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs originally formed in 1948 when Lester and Earl left Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys. Along with Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs are considered one of the landmark acts in the history of bluegrass music. In 1955, helped along by their sponsorship by Martha White, Flatt & Scruggs became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Creative differences led to the breakup of the duo in 1969, with Scruggs favoring a more progressive sound while Flatt was a traditionalist who preferred the traditional bluegrass sound. Both remained members of the Opry, with Lester forming the Nashville Grass, while Earl formed the Earl Scruggs review which featured his sons. While Earl left the Opry several years later, Lester remained a member of the Grand Ole Opry until his death in 1979. In 1985, Flatt & Scruggs were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

From Saturday February 22, 1969, here is the running order from the final night that Flatt & Scruggs appeared on the Grand Ole Opry (note: they were scheduled for both shows but cancelled on the late show):

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Osborne Brothers: A World of Forgotten People
Jimmy Gately: Heavenly Sunshine
Lonzo & Oscar: Columbus Stockade Blues
Bill Anderson: It's My Life
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Jimmy Gately: Dirt Under Her Feet
Lonzo & Oscar: A King Size Cola & A Moon Pie
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Shady Grove
Skeeter Davis: The Closest Thing to Love
Glaser Brothers: Gentle on My Mind
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Cousin Jake: Almost Persuaded #44
Skeeter Davis: Am I That Easy to Forget
Crook Brothers: Cotton-Eyed Joe

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Billy Grammer: The Hour of Separation
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Roy Acuff: Waltz of the Wind
Billy Grammer: Mabel
Smoky Mountain Boys: Lee Highway Blues

9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): You Don't Have to Be A Baby to Cry
George Morgan: Like A Bird
Margie Bowes: All the World is Lonely Now
Ernie Ashworth: Where Do You Go
Ernest Tubb: Saturday Satan; Sunday Saint
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
George Morgan: Wichita Lineman
Billy Parker: That's A Big World Out There

9:30: Kellogg's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Willis Brothers: Rambling Boy
Marion Worth: A Legend in My Time
Charlie Walker: Honky-Tonk Season
Jim Ed Brown: Man & Wife Time
Willis Brothers: I'm Easy to Please
Marion Worth: You Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Jim Ed Brown: Honky-Tonk Man

10:00: Fender
Glaser Brothers (host): Please Take Me Back
Lonzo & Oscar: Out of Hand
Del Wood: Beer, Barrel Polka
Glaser Brothers: Gone on the Other Hand

10:15: Pure
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
Ernie Ashworth: Oh, Lonesome Me
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Willis Brothers: I Still Do

10:30: Buckley's
Archie Campbell (host): The Cockfight
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory
Archie Campbell: Look Up; Look Down that Lonesome Road

10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): Letters Have No Arms
Billy Grammer: I'm Letting You Go
Crook Brothers: Texas Quick Step
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas

11:00: Coca-Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Willis Brothers: Bob/Give Me 40 Acres
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal/Big City
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Margie Bowes: Take Me As I Am
Sam McGee: Under the Double Eagle

11:30: Lava
George Morgan (host): Like A Bird
Jim Ed Brown: Man & Wife Time
Jim Ed Brown & George Morgan: Now is the Hour
Marion Worth: Almost Persuaded
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
George Morgan: Molly Darling
Jim Ed Brown: The Longest Beer of the Night
Marion Worth: Faded Love
Charlie Walker: Honky-Tonk Season

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys the Opry this week.

Before getting to the Grand Ole Opry and the shows this weekend, it was announced on the Tuesday Night Opry that Chris Janson will be officially inducted as an Opry member on Tuesday March 20. No other details were revealed, although I am sure they have lined up a special guest to do the actual induction. As of today, there is still only one show listed for that night. Personally, I just hate to see anyone not inducted as a member on any other night than Saturday. Saturday is the traditional night for the Grand Ole Opry, and it would have been nice to see the Saturday show still considered the "big" one, where the important events, such as inducting new members, takes place. It could be logistical as to why Tuesday night, as I know Chris is busy touring and perhaps that was the only night something could be lined up. Regardless, congratulations to Chris and I know it will be a big night for him.

While the "official" Grand Ole Opry line-up is not posted as of this posting (Thursday night). I have learned that the line-up is complete with Grand Ole Opry member Crystal Gayle scheduled for both nights. Joining her on Friday and Saturday will be members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider and Connie Smith. Members scheduled for Friday night only are The Whites, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press and Craig Morgan, while Bill Anderson and Steve Wariner are scheduled for Saturday night.

As to guest appearances, the Friday night Opry will feature Ryan Kinder, Mickey Guyton, Flatt Lonesome, Mo Pitney and it would appear, Dan Tyminski. Saturday night it looks like Natalie Stovall, Elizabeth Cook Charles Esten, Shenandoah and Troy Cassar-Daley are scheduled.

Friday February 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Ryan Kinder; Mike Snider
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Mickey Guyton; Flatt Lonesome
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mo Pitney
8:45: Craig Morgan (host); Dan Tyminski; Crystal Gayle

Saturday February 24
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Natalie Stovall; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Elizabeth Cook; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Shenandoah; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); Troy Cassar-Daley; Crystal Gayle

There you have it for this week's line-up. I will be in Nashville for both the Friday and Saturday Opry shows. If there are any updates to the line-up, or if I received some wrong information regarding the shows, I will post an update. Hopefully I will have the access.

Looking back to the 4th weekend of February 10 years ago, the weekend of February 22  & 23:

Friday February 22
8:00: The Whites (host); Jim Lauderdale; Ashley Monroe
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; Emerson Drive
9:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Kathy Mattea
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; T. Graham Brown; Joe Nichols

Saturday February 23
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Jack Greene; Dan Tyminski Band
7:00: Jo Dee Messina; Keith Anderson; Tracy Byrd; Randy Owen
8:00: The Whites (host); Jan Howard; The Time Jumpers; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Restless Heart

2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Dan Tyminski Band; Keith Anderson
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Randy Owen; Jo Dee Messina
10:30: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Tracy Byrd; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: George Hamilton IV (host); The Time Jumpers; Restless Heart

25 years ago, Saturday February 27, 1993:

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Jack Greene (host); Roy Drusky; Jan Howard
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Bill Carlisle; Charlie Walker; Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Billy Walker (host); Kathy Mattea; Oak Ridge Boys
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; The 4 Guys; Mike Snider; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy Dickens; Grandpa Jones; Bill Monroe

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Ray Pillow; Jeanne Pruett; Oak Ridge Boys
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Kathy Mattea
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeannie Seely
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Brother Oswald; Charlie Louvin
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Stonewall Jackson; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Mike Snider; Jimmy C Newman; Justin Tubb
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; The 4 Guys; Johnny Russell

I would have to go back and double check the records, but I do believe that the reason all of the Hall of Fame members were on the last portion of the 1st show was because of a function that took place at the Opryland Hotel involving those artists.

It was on Saturday February 28, 1987 that Grand Ole Opry member Archie Campbell made his final appearance on the Opry.

An artist can fall into one or more of many categories. Archie Campbell was an artist who fit several. Born in Bulls Gap, in East Tennessee, Archie was an entertainer who excelled in both music and comedy. He was also a songwriter who wrote much of his material. Finally, he was a painter of note, a man capable of capturing on canvas anything from serious landscapes to humorous caricatures. In fact, Archie painted the beautiful 6 X 10 foot mural that to this day hangs in the artists' lounge backstage at the Grand Ole Opry House.

Perhaps Archie's earthy humor and love of mankind came from his childhood days in Bulls Gap. There, he, his brother and two sisters enjoyed a hilarious and happy rearing. He later studied art at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, North Carolina, but found the entertainment field was more lucrative than art. He moved to near-by Knoxville and began concentrating on it.

After serving in the Navy, Archie returned to Knoxville, where he had a radio show on WNOX, featuring guests like Chet Atkins and Carl Smith. Moving to Nashville in 1958, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, signed an RCA recording contract and then spent the subsequent years wallowing in radio, TV, movie, personal appearances, hit records and script writing success. Archie was known as a comic and writer on "Hee Haw." Archie also had a number of hit records including "Rindercella," Beeping Sleauty,""Pee Little Thrigs,""Trouble in the Amen Corner," and "Rojo." Archie had the rare ability to combine comedy with music, and he could handle the guitar, ukulele, and bass with self-taught proficiency. In 1969 he was honored by the Country Music Association as Comedian of the Year. Besides appearing on "Hee Haw", Archie also hosted "Yesteryear In Nashville" which was on TNN.

Archie was also an accomplished golfer and built one of the first lighted golf courses in the United States. As a painter, he also owned an art gallery and served on the school board in Knoxville, Tennessee. He also operated and performed for a number of years at his theater in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Once the theater went into operation, Archie would spend the summers in Gatlinburg, thus the majority of his Opry appearances would take place during the winter months. Archie Campbell passed away on August 29, 1987 after suffering a heart attack. He is buried near Powell, Tennessee and his childhood home on Main Street in Bulls Gap has been preserved as a memorial.

Here you go, from Saturday February 28, 1987 the final night that Archie Campbell performed on the Grand Ole Opry:

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Stonewall Jackson (host): Muddy Water
The 4 Guys: Love, Love, Love
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'/Waterloo

6:45: Rudy's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: My Last Date With You/Silver Threads & Golden Needles/The End of the World

7:00: Shoney's
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Charlie Walker: Roly, Poly
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/Orange Blossom Special/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Dottie West: Your Cheatin' Heart/Are You Happy Baby
Hank Snow: The Next Voice You Hear

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim Ed Brown: Scarlet Ribbons/The 3 Bells
Connie Smith: Walk Me to the Door
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Greenback Dollar
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Osborne Brothers: Beneath Still Waters
Jack Greene: Our Time
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
The Whites: I Wonder Who's Holding My Baby Tonight
Porter Wagoner: Milwaukee, Here I Come

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Grandpa Jones (host): My Happy Little Home in Arkansas
Billy Walker: She Goes Walking Thru My Mind/Sing Me A Love Song to Baby
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Roy Drusky: Always
Del Reeves: While I Play Those Honky-Tonk Songs; She Sings Amazing Grace
Grandpa Jones: Time

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Lorrie Morgan: Lone Star State of Mind
The 4 Guys: Bop
Dottie West: It's High Time/Faded Love
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name

10:00: Little Debbie
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Moving On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis/Life's Railway to Heaven

10:30: Pet Milk
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Are You Teasing Me
Charlie Louvin: Please Help Me
Grandpa Jones: Here Comes the Champion

10:45: Heil Quaker
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Roy Drusky: I'll Hold You In My Heart
Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Jim Ed Brown: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): White Silver Sands
Connie Smith: Walkin' After Midnight
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
The Whites: Makin' Believe/Pins & Needles
Hank Snow: Am I That Easy to Forget

11:30: Quincy's
Del Reeves (host): The Race is On
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours/Satin Sheets
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Jack Greene; Midnight Tennessee Woman/There Goes My Everything/Statue of A Fool

In case anyone was wondering why Hank Snow was hosting at 7:00, he was hosting the televised portion on TNN that night. Originally the 7:00 segment was televised, later moved to 7:30.

One last thought on Archie Campbell: the more I listen to old Opry shows featuring Archie, and watching the reruns of Hee Haw, the more I am convinced that Archie deserves a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame. While the odds are against him, someday it might happen. He as a comic genius who could also sing a heartfelt song when asked. It is too bad that he passed away at too soon.

Looking at other Opry events from the last weekend in February, DeFord Bailey returned to the Opry for the 1st of what became an annual reunion show, often called Old-Timer's Night. DeFord was one of the Opry's originals until he was fired by George D. Hay in 1941. He had been asked numerous times to return, always turning down the invitations. Finally, thanks to Bill Monroe, Roy Acuff, and Minnie Pearl, among others, DeFord returned, as he would several more times before he passed away.

Also, it was on February 24, 2001 that Wilma Lee Cooper suffered a stroke while performing on the first show that night, which would end her performing career. Wilma Lee, who came to the Opry in 1957 with her husband Stoney and daughter Carol Lee, would only make two more appearances on the Opry stage following her stroke: in 2007 in honor of her 50th anniversary as an Opry member and in 2010 at the reopening of the Opry House.

Last but not least, it was 26 years ago, Saturday February 29, 1992 that Travis Tritt became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. After an absence of 10 years, Travis returned to the Opry last year to be recognized upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry. It was nice to see him back, and he needs to come back more often.

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and as always, I will report back on my observations when I return next week.

Here is the posted line-up for this week's Tuesday Night Opry:

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Dailey & Vincent
7:30: Tegan Marie; Easton Corbin
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; Henry Cho
8:45: The Isaacs; Alison Krauss

Nice to see Alison back on the Opry.

Opry Country Classics is back starting this Thursday night. The theme for the first show will be songs of Johnny and June Carter Cash, in honor of what would have been their 50th anniversary

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
Ana Cristina Cash
Chuck Mead
John Carter Cash
Mandy Barnett
The Whites

For those who might ask, Ana Cristina is the wife of John Carter.

Before getting into the Grand Ole Opry line-ups for this weekend, I was in Nashville last weekend and attended both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Overall, I thought both shows were very solid. Among the highlights on both nights were Mike Snider, Connie Smith and Crystal Gayle. All three did a great job. I always enjoy Mike and the boys, as they play that good old traditional Opry instrumentation. Connie did her usual good job and it was nice that she brought out a classic, "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" that you don't hear much on the Opry anymore. Crystal Gayle, one of the Opry's newest members, just adds a lot to the show.

Other highlights from Friday night included the family bluegrass group Flatt Lonesome. That was my first time seeing them and they were outstanding. They have already won several awards and I can see them winning a few more as their career progresses. Dan Tyminski and his group were very good, as was Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Mo Pitney, and was pleasantly surprised by Mickey Guyton. Jeannie Seely did a nice job opening the show. The only act that I did not personally enjoy was Ryan Kinder. He has talent, just didn't care for him.

I thought Saturday night was the better of the two nights. Besides those I already mentioned, I wanted to point out a couple of acts. While others don't, and I get it, I really enjoy Elizabeth Cook. It is not every night you hear Tom Petty songs on the Opry, but Elizabeth has done several for some time now, and I just enjoy them. As I said, she is not for everyone, and the same can be said for Charles Esten. Yes, I know he is an actor playing the role of a country music singer. But he can sing, and he is good. I hope he continues doing the Opry even after the "Nashville" show ends. Bill Anderson looked and sounded good, and at 81 he is still bringing it. He closed with "This Old Army Hat" to prolonged applause. Shenandoah sounded better than they did last time I saw them. Steve Wariner did a fine job hosting the last segment and I was very surprised by Troy Cassar-Daley from Australia. If I heard it right, he has had 31 No.1 records in his home country. He sounded good and he and Steve did well on the Merle Haggard duet. Natalie Stovall was the other artist from Saturday night and she is young and talented.

Friday night I would estimate about 3500 in attendance and Saturday was just about sold-out. And there was a new Opry sponsor, Kentucky Kernel Flour. No, it is not Martha White, and no, I had never heard of this product before, but then again I don't shop grocery stores in the south. There were chuckles in the audience during the commercial. Springer Mountain Farms also sponsors a segment now on Saturday night.

The renovation of the Grand Ole Opry House is underway. The ticket office area is closed and blocked off, including Roy Acuff's old house. The ticket office is in the old Opry Museum, and it was funny walking in as the interior entrance is the same as it was when it was the museum. The same lighted signs are hanging up on the walls, restrooms still in the same place. They would not let you past the lobby, where the ticket agents are, but being inside brought back some old memories. The building looked in perfect shape. Too bad it is no longer in use.


Now to the line-ups for this weekend. Grand Ole Opry members set for both nights include Mike Snider, The Whites and Jeannie Seely. They are scheduled to be joined on Friday night by Ricky Skaggs and Jesse McReynolds will give it a go again. He will also be celebrating his 54th year as a member of the Opry. Jesse has been out since September and was scheduled to return a few weeks ago, but wasn't quite ready. On Saturday night, joining Mike, Jeannie and The Whites, will be Jesse McReynolds.

Guest artists on Friday night include Jim Lauderdale, Levi Hummon, Brooke Eden, Lee Roy Parnell, Mary Gauthier, Devin Dawson and Darryl Worley. That is a lot of names and you get that when only five Opry members are on the schedule.

That is actually one more than what is scheduled for Saturday night, as joining the four members will be Drew Baldridge, Sam Palladio (from Nashville), Maggie Rose, Lucy Silvas, Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweets.

Friday March 2
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Lauderdale; Levi Hummon
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Brooke Eden; Lee Roy Parnell
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mary Gauthier
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Devin Dawson; Darryl Worley

Saturday March 3
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Drew Baldridge
7:30: The Whites (host); Sam Palladio; Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Lucy Silvas; Opry Square Dancers; Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; John Schneider

(I would say there are a few names that some of those attending the Opry this weekend probably will not recognize).

Nathaniel Rateliff comes out of Denver, Colorado and he is described as folk, Americana, and vintage rhythm & blues. His group, the Night Sweats, is described as a soulful R&B combo. His first single was released in 2011. Since then he has released six more singles, none of which has made the charts in the U.S. He also has released several albums, both with his group and as a solo artist. He does have a regional following in the Denver area and will be embarking on a national tour this year. He has been around for a while and at age 39, not a youngster anymore. But I give him credit for continuing with his love of music.

From the first weekend in March 10 years ago, Saturday March 1, 2008:

1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Joe Diffie
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Terri Clark; James Otto; Elizabeth Cook
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Jim Ed Brown; Del McCoury Band

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; James Otto
10:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jeannie Seely; The Whites; Terri Clark
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Elizabeth Cook; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jim Ed Brown; Del McCoury Band

25 years ago, Saturday March 6, 1993:

1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett; Billy Walker
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Walker; Jan Howard; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); The 4 Guys; Riders In The Sky; Mel McDaniel; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Mike Snider; The Whites; Osborne Brothers; Grandpa Jones

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Bill Carlisle; Charlie Louvin; Loretta Lynn
10:00: Jack Greene (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Ray Pillow
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Brother Oswald; Jimmy C Newman
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Justin Tubb; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Mike Snider; Osborne Brothers; Mel McDaniel
11:30: Bill Anderson (host); The 4 Guys; Riders In The Sky; Johnny Russell

Among other events of note from the 1st weekend in March, it was Saturday March 2, 1963 that Grand Ole Opry Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins made their final Opry appearances. Here is the Opry running order from that night:

7:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Little Dutch Girl
Carter Family: 14 Caret Nothing
Jimmy Newman: Bayou Talk
Willis Brothers: Eat A Little More
George Morgan: Untie the Knot
June Carter: Comedy
Jimmy Newman: A Fallen Star
George Morgan: Down Memory Lane

8:00: Martha White
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Come Walk with Me
Billy Walker: I've Got A New Heartache
Wilburn Brothers: Roll Muddy River
Stringbean: Pretty Little Widow
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: There's A Higher Power
Del Wood: Are You from Dixie
Margie Bowes: Think it Over
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back in Town
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer

8:30: Stephens
Hawkshaw Hawkins (host): Darkness on the Face of the Earth
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Bobby Lord: Out Behind the Barn
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Hawkshaw Hawkins: I Don't Apologize
Glaser Brothers: Lover's Farewell
Curly Fox: Instrumental
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Silver Threads and Golden Needles

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Cowboy Copas (host): You Don't Have to Be A Baby to Cry
Bill Monroe: (?)
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Cowboy Copas: Alabam'
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Carlisle: Shutter & Boards
Bill Monroe: (?)
Cowboy Copas: The Man Upstairs

9:30: Pet Milk
Roy Acuff (host): Plastic Heart
Jordanaires: (?)
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Cousin Jody: Lady Cop
Roy Acuff: The Wreck on the Highway
Oswald: Roll On, Buddy, Roll On
Justin Tubb: (?)
Jimmy Riddle: Fox Chase
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

10:00: Gates Rubber
George Morgan (host): Roly Poly
Curly Fox: Instrumental
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Satisfied
Del Wood: Bill Bailey
George Morgan: Who's Jealous Now

10:15: Luzianne
Wilburn Brothers (host): Day After Day
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Margie Bowes: Within' Your Crowd
Harold Morrison: The Cat came Back
Wilburn Brothers: Not That I Care

10:30: Harvey's
Jimmy Newman (host): (?)
Carter Family: (?)
Billy Walker: Thank You for Calling
Jimmy Newman: (?)

10:45: Ford
Hawkshaw Hawkins (host): Big Old Heartache
Willis Brothers: I Still Do
Stringbean: There'll Be Moonshine In Them Old Kentucky Hills
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Lonesome 7-7203

11:00: Coca-Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Jordanaires: (?)
Marion Worth: Tennessee Teardrops
Lonzo & Oscar: I'm My Own Grandpa
Roy Acuff & Oswald: Stuck Up Blues
Sam & Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Justin Tubb: (?)
Oswald: John Hardy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbin' Ridge
Roy Acuff: Shake My Mother's Hand for Me

11:30: SSS Tonic
Cowboy Copas (host): Down in Nashville Tennessee
Bill Monroe: (?)
Roy Drusky: It Worries Me
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Archie Campbell: A Fool's Side of Town
Glaser Brothers: Odds & Ends
Bobby Lord: So Doggone Lonesome
Bill Monroe (host): (?)
Cowboy Copas: Flat Top

Lloyd Estel Copas began performing professionally in the 1930s, appearing on several radio stations in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. In 1940 he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he performed on WNOX-AM with his band, the Gold Star Rangers. A big break for him came in 1943 when Pee Wee King picked Copas to replace Eddy Arnold as the featured vocalist with his Golden West Cowboys, which included performances on the Grand Ole Opry. His first solo single, "Filipino Baby" was released by King Records in 1946 and reached No. 4 on the Billboard Country chart. From the late 1940s, into the early 1950s, he had several other hits including "Signed, Sealed and Delivered,""The Tennessee Waltz,"" Tennessee Moon,""I'm Waltzing with Tears in My Eyes,""Candy Kisses,""Hangman's Boogie," and "The Strange Little Girl." His 1952 single, "'Tis Sweet to Be Remembered" reached No. 8 on the Billboard chart. It would be his final charted single that decade.

Copas continued to make regular appearances on the Opry, along with guesting on the Ozark Jubilee. In 1960 he reached the top of the charts with "Alabam'" which would prove to be the biggest hit of his career. That record stayed at No. 1 for three months. Other hits followed including "Flat Top" and a remake of "Signed, Sealed and Delivered."


Harold Franklin Hawkins first appeared on local West Virginia radio in the 1930s, specifically WSAZ-AM in Huntington and WCHS-AM in Charleston. By 1941 he was traveling across the United States as part of a musical revue. Hawkins entered the Army in 1943 and was stationed in France and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After he was discharged, he became a regular on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, while at the same time recording for King Records in Cincinnati. He stayed with King Records until 1953 and had hits with "Pan American" and Dog House Boggie."

In 1954, Hawkshaw left the Wheeling Jamboree and began performing on the Ozark Jubilee, where he met future wife Jean Shepard. After limited success recording with Columbia and RCA Records, he moved to Nashville and joined the Grand Ole Opry. He also resigned with King Records. In 1962, he had the biggest hit of his career with "Lonesome 7-7203." The song first appeared on the Billboard country chart on March 2, 1963, three days before he died. It would later spend four weeks at No. 1.

Both Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins, along with Patsy Cline and Randy Hughes, would die in a plane crash on March 5, 1963, while returning to Nashville after performing in a benefit concert in Kansas City for the family of disc jockey "Cactus' Jack Call. The crash took place near Camden, Tennessee, 90 miles from Nashville.

The first weekend in March also saw The Whites: Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, becoming members of the Grand Ole Opry on March 3, 1984. March 7, 2003 saw the final Opry appearance of long-time member Bill Carlisle. A few days after that appearance, Bill suffered a stroke and would pass away shortly after.

Finally, let's not forget Saturday March 4, 1978 when an entire Grand Ole Opry show was televised for the first time on Public Broadcasting as part of their annual fundraiser. It was such a success that the Opry would do it for the following three years. For the first time, fans across the country could see the Opry as it took place live (although minus the commercials).

Let's take one more look at that first PBS show:

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at A Time
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
George Hamilton IV: Cornbread, Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Lonzo & Oscar: When the Fields in the Valleys Turn Green
Billy Grammer: Birth of the Blues
Willis Brothers: Boots & Saddles
Del Reeves: Folsom Prison Blues/Margariteville

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy Liggy Lo
Jean Shepard: The Things That Might Have Been/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/You Win Again/A Dear John Letter
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee/Down Yonder
Bessyl Duhon: Opryland Special

6:45: Rudy's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Archie Campbell: A.C. in N.Y. Last July

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind's A Comin'
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Don Williams: Some Broken Hearts Never Mend/I've Got A Winner In You
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home/'Ol Slewfoot

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
The 4 Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
Roy Acuff: How Beautiful Heaven Must Be

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): My Sweet Blue Eyed Darling
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care
Jan Howard: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Charlie Louvin: Warm, Warm Woman
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with the Way that We're Doing it Now
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Bill Monroe: Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ronnie Milsap: Stand By My Woman's Man/What Goes on When the Sun Goes Down/Day Dreams About Night Things/A Legend in My Time
Bill Carlisle: Leave that Liar Alone
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbin' Ridge
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing That Was Good in My Life

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Jean Shepard: If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time
George Hamilton IV: Only the Best
Archie Campbell: The Interview
Osborne Brothers: Midnight Flyer
Willis Brothers: Bob
Porter Wagoner: Tennessee Saturday Night/On A Highway Headed South

10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Mary Jane, Won't You Be Mine
Ronnie Milsap: What A Difference You've Made in My Life/Let My Love Be Your Pillow
Kenny Baker: The Lucky Lady

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Don Williams: Amanda/You're My Best Friend
Billy Grammer: Georgiana Moon
Howdy Forrester: Cotton-Eyed Joe

10:30: Trailblazer
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Skeeter Davis: He Will be There
Del Wood: Just Because
Jimmy C Newman: Big Bayou

10:45: Beech-Nut
Wilburn Brothers (host): Country Kind of Feelings
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Jan Howard: Better Off Alone
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
Justin Tubb: You'd Never Be Happy with Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Wilma Lee Cooper: Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Kirk McGee: The Waltz You Saved for Me/Freight Train
Hank Snow: Once More, You're Mine Again

11:30: Elm Hill
Charlie Louvin (host): Let's Put Our World Back Together/A Toast to Mama/Love Has to Die All By Itself/I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jeanne Pruett: Break My Mind/A Poor Man's Woman
Bill Carlisle: Amazing Grace
The 4 Guys: When Will I Be Loved
Charlie Louvin: Woman, Warm Woman

There you have it for this week. Welcome to March with Spring right around the corner. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!

Welcome to March and the month that brings us Spring. I hope wherever you live that winter is coming to an end. Up here in Ohio, it was a pretty typical winter with some cold and snow. It was worst than the last couple, but overall, I can't complain. Getting back to the business of the Grand Ole Opry, here are the important and historical events that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or in regards to members of the Opry, during the month of March:

March 9, 1925: Ralph Sloan, the leader and founder of The Tennessee Travelers, was born. Ralph and his group joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1952 and continued under Ralph's leadership until his death in 1980. After Ralph passed away, his brother Melvin took over as the group's leader, changing the name to the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin continued on until his retirement in 2002.

March 24, 1928: Kitty Cora Cline became the first female solo artist to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Kitty was at the Opry until March 31, 1934, when she decided to quit. The story goes that on that particular evening, she was on her way to the Opry and witnessed a serious car accident that bothered her so much that she refused to travel by car again. Thus, she quit performing.

March 31, 1934: Robert Lunn made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. After joining the Opry, he stayed until retiring in 1958.

March 16, 1946: Future Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his first appearance on the Opry, appearing as a member of Pee Wee King's band.

March 1, 1952: Uncle Dave Macon, one of the Opry's earliest stars, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Uncle Dave was one of the Opry's originals and was one of the first professional musicians to join the cast. Two weeks later, on March 22, Uncle Dave passed away at the age of 82.

March 21, 1953: Bill Carlisle and the Carlisles made their first guest appearance at the Grand Ole Opry.

March 1, 1958: After criticizing the management of WSM radio, Marty Robbins was fired as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry management quickly realized their mistake and Marty was quickly hired back.

March 2, 1963: Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins made their final appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. Several days later, the duo would pass away when the plane they were riding in crashed on the way back to Nashville. Copas, Hawkins, along with Opry member Patsy Cline and pilot Randy Hughes were returning after performing on a benefit show in Kansas City.

March 9, 1963: The Grand Ole Opry observed a moment of silence to honor Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Randy Hughes. Also honored was Jack Anglin of Johnny & Jack, who also passed away the previous week, in his case the result of injuries from an auto accident. In the tribute read by Opry manager Ott Devine, he said, "All of their friends standing with me tonight on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium know that it is impossible to put our thoughts, or feelings, our love for Patsy, Hank, Cope, Jack and Randy. And so we ask for a moment of silent prayer in tribute to them."

March 29, 1963: Texas Ruby Owens died in a fire at her home. Along with her husband Curly Fox, she came to the Opry in the 1940s. After Ruby's death, Curly remained at the Opry as a solo act.

March 2, 1964: Jim & Jesse McReynolds were invited to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. Later that week, they made their first appearance as Opry members. Jim & Jesse were very popular members of the Opry and along with their group the Virginia Boys, continued as members of the Opry until the death of Jim in December 2002. After Jim's death, Jesse has continued on at the Opry. In September, he took ill and was hospitalize for a period of time. After a lengthy recovery, Jesse returned to the Opry this past weekend and was recognized upon his 54th year as an Opry member.

March 7, 1964: Ernie Ashworth, along with Jim & Jesse, made his first appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ernie, who was famous for his hit song, "Talk Back Trembling Lips" and for his colorful suit with flaming lips on it, remained an Opry member until his death on March 2, 2009.

March 28, 1964: Connie Smith made her first appearance as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Connie appeared at the invitation of Bill Anderson. Later that evening, Connie stopped by at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and the Midnight Jamboree. A year later, in 1965, Connie became an Opry member.

March 9, 1968: Irene Ryan, who played the part of Granny on the very popular show, "The Beverly Hillbillies," made a guest appearance on the Opry.

March 15, 1968: The Byrds, featuring Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, made an appearance on the Friday Night Opry. They sang "Sing Me Back Home" and "Hickory Wind." The Byrds always considered it an honor to perform on the Opry and this appearance ended up being their only one. It was later reported that a few of the Opry's members were not thrilled over their appearance and the audience response was much the same.

March 28, 1970: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Robbins returned to the Opry for the first time since suffering a heart attack in January. As usual, he returned as the host of the 11:30 segment. Reporter Jerry Thompson, who was there that evening, wrote, "The sound from the jam-packed crowd was deafening. They couldn't hear the words to the songs that familiar figure behind the Opry mic was crooning, but there was no mistake. Marty Robbins was back where he belonged. Midway through the show, Robbins sat at the piano and told the audience, 'I had so many things I was going to say tonight. I want to thank all of my friends for their concern and I want to thank God for letting me be there. Now, I can't think of anything else to say, so I guess I'll have to sing for you.' And sing he did until 12:27 a.m. when the curtain closed amidst repeated shouts of 'more, more, more.'" This was one night that Ernest Tubb did not complain about the Midnight Jamboree starting late.

March 27, 1971: Jan Howard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.  Jan will be celebrating her 47th year as an Opry member. Jan had been appearing on the Opry for several years before becoming an Opry member, and in fact, Opry member Bud Wendall had thought she was already a member. Jan is not basically retired from performing, although she has made a couple of visits backstage at the Opry over the past year. Finally, let's not forget that Jan's birthday is on March 13 and that Jan is the Opry's oldest female member.

March 9, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry had its final Saturday night show at the Ryman Auditorium. The Opry, which had been at the Ryman since 1943, was scheduled to move to the new Grand Ole Opry House the following weekend. Also, this was the final night that Bobby Bare was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, as he quit the cast when the Opry made the move to the new Opry House. Also giving up his Opry membership was Tom T Hall, although in Tom's case, he would later rejoin the cast.

March 15, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry conducted its final Friday Night Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. While the previous Saturday night was the final Grand Ole Opry show, this being the final show made for a very emotional night, so much so that both Bill Anderson and Charlie Walker forgot the words to their songs. The final segment this night was hosted by George Morgan, who concluded the show with his hit "Candy Kisses." After the Opry ended, Reverend Jimmie Snow hosted the final Grand Ole Gospel from the Ryman with guests Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and the Carter Family, none of whom actually appeared on the Opry that night. The show concluded with the singing of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and as soon as they were finished, the signs were taken down and many of the items were immediately transferred to the new Opry House. After the Opry left, the Ryman stayed empty for many years, with the inside of the building looking exactly as the Opry left it when they moved in 1974.

March 16, 1974: With President Richard Nixon in attendance, the Grand Ole Opry had its first performance at the new Grand Ole Opry House. When President Nixon made his appearance, he became the first President to visit and perform on the Opry. As yes, he did perform, playing several songs on the piano. There was much discussion on who would be the first Opry member to perform on the show, and with the decision made to go in alphabetical order, Roy Acuff took the honors, followed by Bill Anderson. With pretty much every Opry member in attendance, both shows that night ran well past the allotted time. The Grand Ole Opry House was the first building built specifically for the Opry, and despite damage from the flood in 2010, the building has held up well and has now been the Opry's home for 43 years.

March 30, 1974: The Earl Scruggs Revue made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. When Flatt & Scruggs broke up, both Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs maintained their Opry membership. While Lester enjoyed playing the Opry on a regular basis, Earl had a more progressive sound and enjoyed playing before different audiences. While he gave up his Opry membership, Earl would continue to come back and perform on the show.

March 14, 1975: One year after the Opry House opened, the Cumberland River overflowed its banks, causing a flood that forced the Opry to move the shows that weekend to the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. It was also the weekend of the 1st anniversary of the Opry House, so the timing wasn't the best. At first, many thought the Opry would return to the Ryman for the weekend, but it was determined that the old building was in no shape to host a live show. Unlike the flood of 2010 which caused extensive damage to the Opry House, the 1975 flood just affected the parking lots and the surrounding area.

March 4, 1978: For the first time in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, an entire show was televised. PBS had approached Opry officials to see if there was any interest in televising the show as part of the annual fundraising drive that PBS conducts. The Opry agreed and it was considered such a great success that PBS would continue to televise an Opry show for the next three years. The Opry did agree to a few changes, including all references to their commercial sponsors, which included covering the sponsor's signs that appeared on the Opry stage and backdrop. (however, in looking at video from those nights, Martha White's sign appears to show through rather well and Roy Acuff did get in a few Martha White plugs). What made those nights so special, besides the quality of the line-ups, was the fact that the Opry did not change the show at all. The format remained the same, although several of the members dressed up a bit more than usual. These shows also gave people across the country who had never attended an Opry show, a chance to see the entire Opry as it happened.

March 10, 1979: James Brown appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. He appeared at the invitation of Porter Wagoner, who thought it would be a great idea. It was a tough night at the Opry as several of the Opry's members did not agree with Porter and decided not to appear that night. James was on stage for almost 20 minutes and would later say that he enjoyed performing on the show.

March 23, 1979: Lester Flatt returned to the Opry for the first time since the previous November. A brain hemorrhage kept Lester away.

March 12, 1980: Ralph Sloan passed away. Ralph and the Tennessee Travelers had been at the Opry since 1952. Upon his death, brother Melvin took over the square dance group.

March 22, 1980: Opry member Marion Worth made her final appearance on the Opry. Marion joined the Opry in 1965 and while she didn't have a spectacular career in country music, she was a fairly popular member of the show. After leaving the Opry, Marion did a few shows in Las Vegas, then eventually retiring. Marion passed away in December 1999.

March 28, 1980: Tom T Hall rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Tom, along with Bobby Bare, quit in March 1974 when the Opry moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. It was reported that Ernest Tubb ran into Tom T in the parking lot after a show at the Opry House and told him he needed to get back to the Opry. He did and for most of the 1980s, was a regular performer on the show. Tom T has not been on the Opry in several decades and is now retired.

March 1, 1982: Roy Acuff was honored with a two-hours special that was televised on ABC. An all-star cast of performers and entertainers honored Roy, including President Ronald Reagan, Vice-President George Bush, Minnie Pearl, Tom T. Hall, Bill Anderson, Chet Atkins, Charlie Daniels and Gene Autry.

March 7, 1983: TNN, The Nashville Network, made its debut. This network would later become the television home of the Grand Ole Opry as a half hour of the show was televised live each Saturday night.

March 3, 1984: The Whites, consisting of Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 34rd year as Opry members.

March 7, 1986: Randy Travis made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He was introduced by Jimmy Dickens and sang, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Later that year, in December, Randy would become an Opry member.

March 4, 1996: Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl passed away from complications after suffering a series of strokes. Minnie had been a Grand Ole Opry member for over 50 years and was perhaps the most loved member of the Opry.

March 9, 1996: Minnie Pearl was remembered at the Opry on the first Saturday night following her death. Wilma Lee Cooper, Jean Shepard, Jeanne Pruett, Skeeter Davis, Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely sang, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" which was Minnie's favorite song.

March 15, 1996: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Monroe, an Opry member since 1939, made his final appearance on the Friday Night Opry. The following morning, Bill was admitted to Baptist Hospital after suffering a stroke.

March 14, 1998: Diamond Rio was invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The accepted and officially became Opry members the following month.

March 13, 1999: Trisha Yearwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trisha had been invited in January by Ricky Skaggs to join the cast. This will be her 19th year as an Opry member.

March 22, 2001: Opry member Johnny Russell was honored at a special benefit show at the Opry House. The show was held to raise funds for Johnny to help cover his mounting medical bills. Among those attending were Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs and Ralph Emery.

March 7, 2003: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Bill Carlisle made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. A few days after this show, Bill suffered a stroke. Bill joined the Opry in November 1953 and 49 years later, Bill was appearing on the Opry most every weekend. The stroke ended Bill's performing career and he passed away on March 17.

March 15, 2008: Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood during a guest appearance on the Opry and invited Carrie to become the Opry's newest member. Several months later in May, Carrie was officially inducted into the Opry's cast.

March 2, 2009: Opry legend Ernie Ashworth passed away. Ernie had been an Opry member for 45 years.

March 8, 2009: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin passed away at the age of 91. Hank joined the Opry in 1960 and at the time of his death, was the Opry's oldest member. "Send Me The Pillow You Dream On" was one of Hank's classic numbers, as was his rendition of "Danny Boy" which he did every St. Patrick's Day.

March 1, 2011: It was announced that Grand Ole Opry members Reba McEntire and Jean Shepard had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. For Jean, it was the culmination of a long career in country music.

March 6, 2012: Opry members Connie Smith and Garth Brooks were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

March 24, 2012: Carol Lee Cooper. the leader of the Carol Lee Singers, announced her retirement. Carol Lee originally came to the Opry with her parents, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper in 1957. Her retirement was the result of some voice and vocal issues that she had been experiencing.

March 5, 2013: The Grand Ole Opry honored Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins on the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took their lives, along with pilot Randy Hughes. Among those taking part in the tribute were Jean Shepard, Terri Clark, Mandy Barnett, John Conlee and Chuck Mead.

March 14, 2013: Opry member Jack Greene passed away after a long illness. Jack, who was formally a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours, joined the Opry in December 1967. Jack always did a great job singing "There Goes My Everything" and "Statue of a Fool." Even in his later years, Jack never lost his great voice.

March 15, 2014: The Grand Ole Opry marked the 40th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House with two special shows that featured Blake Shelton, Old Crow Medicine Show, Josh Turner, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Jimmy Dickens and Miranda Lambert.

March 6, 2017: It was announced that Sally Williams was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President of Programming & Artists Relations for Opry Entertainment and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry. She previously had been the General Manager of the Ryman Auditorium.

March 11, 2017: Dailey & Vincent became the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The bluegrass duo had been extended an invitation by Marty Stuart in December, upon their 100th guest appearance on the show.

There you have it for this month. I hope a lot of those dates bring back some memories.

I have never heard of anyone in recent memory (at least since Jeanne Pruett) who has made multiple Opry appearances between the time of being asked to becoming a member and then actually becoming one. Tuesday night, Chris Janson is once again a guest on the Opry.

Tuesday March 6
7:00: Terri Clark; The SteelDrivers
7:30: T Graham Brown; LANCO
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; Dustin Lynch
8:45: Lorrie Morgan; Chris Janson

Opry Country Classics on Thursday night will feature Craig Morgan as the Spotlight Artist:

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Craig Morgan
Also Appearing: Jeannie Seely; Gene Watson; Natalie Stovall

A couple of pretty nice shows

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the three shows this weekend. Yes, that is correct as Saturday night there are two shows scheduled. If there is anyone reading this who wants to go to the Opry this weekend, Saturday's 2nd show is for you. Looking at the ticket site, there are probably 3500 tickets still available for that 2nd show. Don't know what the Opry was thinking when they scheduled two, or if they thought they had someone else lined up and it fell through....who knows?

But as who will be appearing this weekend, there are only two Grand Ole Opry members who are scheduled for both nights: Jeannie Seely and Mike Snider. Joining those two on Friday night will be Riders In The Sky, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, and Country Music Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and the Oak Ridge Boys, who will be signing in the Opry Shop after the show. Joining Jeannie and Mike on Saturday night will be Opry members Jesse McReynolds, The Whites, and Hall of Fame member Ronnie Milsap. Really nice to see Ronnie back at the Opry. I met Ronnie a couple of years ago and he really is a super nice guy.

Guest artists on the Friday Night Opry include Gene Watson (who cancelled his appearance on Opry Country Classics), Parmalee, Gary Mule Deer, frequent Opry guest Mark Wills, and making her Opry debut, Darci Lynne.

Gary Mule Deer is also scheduled for both shows on Saturday night, and he will be joined by Erin Enderlin, Jerrod Niemann, and Hall of Famer, and former Opry member, Bobby Bare.

Friday March 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Gene Watson
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Parmalee; Darci Lynne
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills
8:45: Oak Ridge Boys (host); Gary Mule Deer

Saturday March 10
1st show
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Erin Enderlin; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: The Whites (host); Jerrod Niemann
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Bare; Opry Square Dancers; Gary Mule Deer; Ronnie Milsap

2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Ronnie Milsap
10:00: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Bobby Bare
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Erin Enderlin; Opry Square Dancers; Gary Mule Deer; Jerrod Niemann

Only 9 artists currently scheduled for Saturday night, and as with last week, just 3 segments.

As mentioned, Darci Lynn (Farmer) will be making her Opry debut on Friday night. This 13 year old lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. As a child she was very shy so her parents encouraged her to participate in the International Cinderella Scholarship Program where she won the title International Mini Miss. At the pageant she met Laryssa Bonacquisti, a young ventriloquist who inspired Darci to try ventriloquism. Darci self taught herself. She asked her parents for a puppet and on her tenth birthday she received one as a gift.

In 2014 she entered Edmond's Got Talent and one first price. Since then she has worked with ventriloquy coach Gary Owen and vocal teacher Tiana. In 2015 she won first place in both the junior division at Oklahoma's Got Talent and Oklahoma Kids, and won Broadway, Specialty Acts, and overall Entertainer of the Year at American Kids in Branson, Missouri. In March 2016, Darci made Little Big Shots. In 2017, she competed in American's Got Talent. She performed with a girly rabbit named Petunia. After going through the competition, Darci was the winner of that season's America's Got Talent. Since then, she has appeared on numerous television shows and has performed nationally, including Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. She is currently on a nationwide tour.


And now, from the second weekend in March 10 years ago, the weekend of March 7 & 8, 2008:

Is it just me or does it seem that the Tuesday Night Opry shows offers a better line-up then the weekend shows? I know that a lot of the bigger name artists tour on the weekends or are involved in other activities, which is fine, but it just appears that the Opry management deems the weeknight shows as equally important as the weekend shows, if that makes sense. For some of the Opry's members, they are getting in their appearances but none are coming on the weekends.

With that said, it is another strong Tuesday night show with Opry members Rascal Flatts, Craig Morgan and Dailey & Vincent leading the way:

7:00: John Conlee; Emily West
7:30: Easton Corbin; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely; Craig Morgan
8:45: Rascal Flatts

Opry Country Classics has Tracy Lawrence as the Spotlight Artist this week. He is one entertainer who I would not mind seeing as an Opry member.

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Tracy Lawrence
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Moe Bandy, Amber Digby, Sylvia

Enjoy!

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend, both with very solid line-ups. And of course, with Saturday being St. Patrick's Day, it will be the Nashville Irish Step Dancers kicking off the show.

Grand Ole Opry members appearing both nights include John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Mike Snider and Dailey & Vincent. Joining that group on Friday night will be Opry members Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Josh Turner and Jesse McReynolds, while Jeannie Seely and Bobby Osborne will be appearing on Saturday night. That adds up to 8 members on Friday and 6 on Saturday.

Guesting on Friday night will be Shenandoah, Ashley Monroe and Lee Brice. All very solid performers. Saturday night will feature Wade Hayes, Craig Campbell, Steve Moakler, and a couple of Hall of Fame members: Don Schlitz and Jimmy Fortune.

Friday March 16
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Josh Turner
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Shenandoah
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Ashley Monroe
8:45: Dailey & Vincent (host); Lee Brice

Saturday March 17
7:00: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; John Conlee (host); Wade Hayes; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Craig Campbell
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Don Schlitz; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Dailey & Vincent (host); Steve Moakler; Jimmy Fortune



Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of March 14 & 15, 2008:

Friday March 14
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Chris Young
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Andy Griggs
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; Rhett Atkins
9:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Rhonda Vincent

Saturday March 15
1st show
6:30: Nashville Irish Stepdancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:00: Carrie Underwood; Little Big Town; Lady Antebellum; Randy Travis
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Rhett Atkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Hal Ketchum; Jack Greene

2nd show
9:30: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Little Big Town
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Carrie Underwood
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jean Shepard; Lady Antebellum; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jack Greene; Rhett Atkins

It was during the first show on that Saturday night that Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Carrie, who was the first country music singer to win American Idol, would formally join the cast two months later on May 10.

From Saturday March 20, 1993, the 3rd weekend in March 25 years ago:

1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); The 4 Guys
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Walker
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Louvin; Bill Carlisle; The Whites
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Joe Diffie; Holly Dunn; Ricky Van Shelton
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Jan Howard; Del Reeves; Ray Pillow

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Holly Dunn; Ricky Van Shelton
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); Riders In The Sky; Jeannie Seely
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Del Reeves; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Louvin & Charles Whitstein; Justin Tubb; Joe Diffie
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The 4 Guys; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell

Looking back at the 3rd weekend in March over the years, it was on Saturday March 16, 1996 that Grand Ole Opry member Don Gibson performed on the Opry for the final time.

Music Row first wanted him as a songwriter. He wanted to perform. So, Don Gibson wrote enough hits for himself and everybody else. For starters, "I Can't Stop Loving You,""I'd Be A Legend in My Time," and "Sweet Dreams," Don's songs have been recorded by more than 150 artists, from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello and Ferlin Husky to Ella Fitzgerald.

Born in Shelby, North Carolina, Don was the son of a railroad man. With three brothers and two sisters, Don knew early on that he would be responsible for financing his music career. So, he went to work in the textile mills and "hopping curbs and even delivering baby diapers," he recalled, just to earn enough money. Don was only a kid when he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, to be a regular on the WNOX "Tennessee Barndance." He also played area club dates and one-nighters. Wesley Rose, president of Acuff-Rose Publishing in Nashville saw Don perform. Wesley's father Fred Rose had discovered Hank Williams. Wesley Rose offered Don a songwriting contract. But, since Don wanted to sing, he told Wesley that it was a deal only if he got to perform. So, his writing contract was with Wesley, his recording contract with RCA.

His first single, "Too Soon to Know" became a known song, but it was the second one that garnered the attention, "Oh, Lonesome Me." He wrote it in the same afternoon that he wrote "I Can't Stop Loving You." But Don didn't think much of "Oh, Lonesome Me.""I Thought it was nothing at all, so I sent it to Nashville and said, "'Give it to George Jones. It might make him a good number.'" he remembered, "I had no idea I'd ever cut it. But Chet Atkins and Wesley Rose said that was the one they wanted me to record. I said, 'I don't want to do that junk. I thought you'd give it to George,' Well, they insisted, so I said, 'I'll do it if you let me put "I Can't Stop Loving You" on the back. I think it's the best song.' Chet and Wesley reluctantly agreed to use the song, and "I Can't Stop Loving You" became a country standard in spite of them."

Don further justified his talents with such hits as "Blue Blue Day,""Legend In My Time,""Sweet Dreams,""Too Soon To Know,""Give Away The Blues,""Country Green,""Who Cares" and scores of others. So many that you can't separate Don Gibson the singer from the songwriter.

Don originally joined the Opry on May 20, 1958. However, he was later fired from the Opry's cast in December 1964 for failing to meet  the Opry's appearance requirements. He rejoined the Opry several years later, and would remain an Opry member until his death in 2003. In 2000, Don was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In his later years, Don appeared at the Opry very seldom as he entered a period of declining health. As mentioned, his last appearance was on Saturday March 16, 1996. Here is the running order from the Opry that night:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings/Joggin' In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Fifteen Cents is All I Got
Bluegrass Boys: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here this Morning
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little Rock
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Jan Howard: Evil on Your Mind

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Brother Oswald: John Hardy
Jean Shepard: Head Over Heals in Love With You
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
The Whites: It Should've Been Easy
Porter Wagoner: Forty Miles to Poplar Bluff
The Wagonmasters: Over the Line

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy  Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
The Hemphills: Let's Have a Revival/Partners In Emotion
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me/I Can't Stop Loving You
Jimmy Dickens: When Your House is Not A Home/Mountain Dew

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Before I Met You
Billy Walker: Come A Little Bit Closer
Jeannie Seely: Another Bridge to Burn
Opry Square Dance Band: Durang's Hornpipe
Bill Anderson: The Touch of the Master's Hand/Still

8:30: Kraft
The 4 Guys (host): It's All Right
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The 4 Guys: Forever Young

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): 'Ol Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jean Shepard: Gone, Gone, Gone
The Hemphills: Let's All Go to Church/Partners in Emotion
Christi Lynn: Don't Stop for Nothing

10:00: Massey-Ferguson
Del Reeves (host): Good Time Charlie's
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime At A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield/Girl on the Billboard

10:15: Zim's Crack Cream
Grandpa Jones (host): Nashville on My Mind
The Whites: Move it on Over
Grandpa Jones: Four Stone Walls & A Ceiling

10:30: Gruhn Guitars
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed
The Jordanaires: The Uncloudy Day
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:45: Fairfield
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jeannie Seely: Another Bridge to Burn
Opry Square Dance Band: Sugar in the Goard
Bill Anderson: The Big Railroad Man

11:00: Coca-Cola
The 4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Jeanne Pruett: Back to Back
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips a Beat
The 4 Guys: Tennessee

11:30: Loreal
Billy Walker (host): Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
Connie Smith: Walk Me to the Door/Walkin' After Midnight
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore/The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Roy Drusky: Waltz of the Angels
Billy Walker: Adam's Side/Charlie's Shoes

It should also be noted that Bill Monroe was scheduled on the Opry that night, however after appearing on the Friday Night Opry the night before, Bill suffered a stroke that ended his performing days. Bill entered a period of declining health and would pass away later that year.

Other Opry events from the 3rd weekend in March include the annual Opry reunion show (Old Timer's Night) on Saturday March 20, 1976 and Saturday March 19, 1977. On March 20, 1980, Opry member Marion Worth made her final appearance on the Opry, as she made the decision to retire.

Finally, let's not forget the big event, which was the grand opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House, which took place on Saturday March 16, 1974. I know I have printed the running order from that night several times, but knowing that there are new readers to the blog, here we go again with it:

1st show
Roy Acuff & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Wabash Cannonball
Roy  Acuff: You Are My Sunshine
Howdy Forrester: Instrumental
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Drusky: Satisfied Mind
Jerry Clower: Marcella's Chain Saw
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
President Richard Nixon & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Mrs. Nixon
President Richard Nixon: My Wild Irish Rose
Roy Acuff & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Stay A Little Longer
President Richard Nixon & Grand Ole Opry Cast: God Bless America
Jan Howard: My Kind of People
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Goodin
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces of Life
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: American Trilogy
George Morgan: You Turn Me On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' on Me
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
The Four Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
Ernest Tubb: Walking the Floor Over You
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Loving Heart
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination

2nd show
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country
Howdy Forrester: Instrumental
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
Ernie Ashworth: Honky-Tonk Hardwood Floor
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Jeannie Seely: Can I Sleep in Your Arms Tonight, Mister
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
Jan Howard: Sunshine on My Shoulder
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Grandpa Jones: Heading South with Nashville on My Mind
Connie Smith: Dallas
Bobby Lord: Mississippi
Charlie Louvin: You're My Wife; She's My Woman
Jerry Clower: The Last Piece of Chicken
George Morgan: Red Rose from the Blue Side of Town
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: The Potato Song
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
Sam & Kirk McGee: Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Justin Tubb: Ramblin' Man
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Marion Worth: Me & Bobby McGee
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/I'm Wanting To/Big Boss Man/Singing the Blues

The first show started at 6:30 and ended at 10:15 while the 2nd show went from 10:47 until 1:54. The first show was made up of an invited audience while the 2nd show was for the "regular" Opry fans. President Richard Nixon was the first President of the United States and he was on stage for just about 30 minutes. As you can see, the artists went pretty much in alphabetical order during the first show, with Roy Acuff leading off. The 2nd show was pretty much the same, but there were a few changes as some artists needed to get on the road for Sunday matinee shows.

While just about every member of the Grand Ole Opry made it that night, there were a few who did not: Archie Campbell, Bill Carlisle, Lester Flatt, David Houston, George Jones, Bob Luman, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Monroe (who did phone into the first show), Earl Scruggs, Billy Walker and Tammy Wynette.  While still listed as Opry members, Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall both made the decision to give up their Opry memberships while Skeeter Davis was still on suspension.

There you have it for this week. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. And don't forget that on the Tuesday Night Opry Chris Janson will become the Opry's newest member.