The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend and I am almost to the point of asking the question, "are The Willis Clan the newest members of the Opry?" No, they are not, but it sure seems like they are on the schedule a lot. I am sure all have noticed that over the years, the Opry seems to settle on a group of non-members that they will put on the schedule pretty much on a regular basis. Over the past few years, Mandy Barnett and Jimmy Wayne were a couple of the favorites, and now it seems that Chris Janson and The Willis Clan are the ones that they go to.
As you can guess from the above comments, The Willis Clan are scheduled for both shows this weekend. Joining them on the Friday Night Opry will be The Steeldrives, who I personally enjoy, The Isaacs, Collin Raye, and a name from the recent past, Bryan White. Also scheduled, and making his Opry debut, is Mo Pitney.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, in addition to The Willis Clan, has a return appearance by Mary Gauthier booked. Also featured is Opry member Steve Wariner. And, while not on the schedule, there is the usual slot saved for Jimmy Dickens.
Friday June 20
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Steeldrivers; Jean Shepard
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bryan White; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mo Pitney
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Collin Raye; The Willis Clan
Saturday June 21
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Greg Bates
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mary Gauthier
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Lucy Hale; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); The Whites; The Willis Clan
And no, I do not dislike The Willis Clan. I have seen them on the Opry previously and they are a talented family. And they are promoting a television show.
As is the custom, here is the posted Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, June 19 & 20, 2009:
Friday June 19
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Emily West
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Tracy Byrd
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; Connie Smith
8:30: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; Alison Krauss
Saturday June 20
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Hal Ketchum; Point Of Grace
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jim Ed Brown; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Mike Snider; Point Of Grace
10:30: John Conlee (host); Hal Ketchum; Sammy Johns; Orpy Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
And now from 10 years ago, the weekend of June 18 & 19, 2004:
Friday June 18
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; BR549
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Christy Sutherland; Stonewall Jackson; Alecia Nugent
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); TG Sheppard; Billy Currington
9:00: Mike Snider (host); Charlie Louvin; Billy Walker; Mandy Barnett
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Gail Davies; Joe Nichols
Saturday June 19
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Eddy Raven
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Chely Wright
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Billy Walker; Alecia Nugent
8:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Riders In The Sky; Jon Randall; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Radney Foster
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Chely Wright
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Radney Foster
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Stu Phillips; Eddy Raven; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Alecia Nugent
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Nagatani; Jon Randall
There are a couple of shows that I did want to mention. One took place on Friday June 20, 1980. That was the night Boxcar Willie made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. The story about Boxcar has been told many times but how he got to Nashville and the Opry is thanks to Wesley Rose, who alerted Roy Acuff. Wesley saw Boxcar at the Wembley Festival in England and he asked Boxcar, "Would you like to be on the Opry?" Boxcar told Wesley that he had been trying to get on the Opry for forty years, of which Wesley told him that when he got back to Nashville, to see him and he would introduce Boxcar to Roy Acuff. The introduction took place, along with an interview and as a result, Boxcar Willie got his guest slot on the Opry. Thanks to that appearance, and the influence of Roy Acuff, Boxcar Willie joined the Opry on February 21, 1981. Here is the line-up from Friday June 20, 1980, the night that Boxcar Willie made his Opry debut.
1st show
6:30: Roy Drusky (host); Justin Tubb; Ernie Ashworth; Connie Smith; Lonzo & Oscar; Little General Cloggers
7:00: Billy Walker (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Louvin; Wilma Lee Cooper; Del Wood
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Stu Phillips; Charlie Daniels
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host) David Houston; Ray Pillow; Wilburn Brothers; Little General Cloggers
8:30: Charlie Walker (host); Four Guys; Bill Carlisle; Stonewall Jackson; Vic Willis Trio
2nd show
9:30: Billy Walker (host); Four Guys; Charlie Louvin; Wilma Lee Cooper; Del Wood
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Lonzo & Oscar; Boxcar Willie; Little General Cloggers
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Charlie Walker; Jean Shepard; Ernie Ashworth
11:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Stu Phillips; Justin Tubb
11:30: David Houston (host); Bill Carlisle; Vic Willis Trio; Ray Pillow
Another solid night at the Opry.
The last line-up to post is from Saturday June 19, 1982, as it was 32 years ago this Saturday night that Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Riders were a trio that consisted of Doug Green, Woody Paul and Too Slim (Fred LaBour), and that brought the songs of the west back to the Opry. They also added a touch of humor to the show.
Doug Green, who wrote the book, "Country Roots: The Origins of Country Music", offered these thoughts on joining the Opry. "It beats me. It just comes so loaded with tradition and emotion and feeling for anybody who cares the least little bit about country music. The first time we were on it was just a magical experience. We guested on the Opry twenty-five times and then they made us members in June of '82, and it's still a magical experience. It's still really wonderful. I'm not as scared as I used to be, but you just feel like you're part of this continuous line of tradition."
Woody Paul had his own thoughts: "I remember when we joined we had been playing a lot on the road. We played in Texas at noon and they chartered a plane and flew us to Fort Worth to get a plane to come be here our first night as members of the Opry. When we walked in at seven o'clock, Hal Durham said, 'Welcome home.' He was sincere about it and suddenly we were just part of this great family."
Not only have the Riders been members of the Opry for 32 years, but they have been great members. Even with the touring and movie soundtracks, they have been very loyal members of the cast and have always made time for the Opry. They are great hosts and add a lot of humor to the show, besides being fine musicians.
Here is the running order from Saturday June 19, 1982, the night Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me and You and A Dog Named Boo
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): Letters Have No Arms
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Riders In The Sky: How the Yodel Was Born/Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Jack Leonard: Back On My Mind Again
Ernest Tubb: Rainbow at Midnight
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Cryin' My Heart Out Over You/Slipping Away
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Grandpa Jones: Four Stone Walls and A Ceiling/What'll I Do With the Baby'O
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Lonzo & Oscar: All the Gold in California
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Connie Smith: I Just Had You On My Mind/Once A Day
Roy Acuff: Stream Line Cannonball
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
4 Guys: I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it to Me Again
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: I Have You and That's Enough For Me
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Have You Ever Been Lonely
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Del Wood: Just Because/Bill Bailey/Beer Barrel Polka
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'/Ol' Chunck of Coal
Jack Leonard: Lone Star Beer and Bob Wills Music
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): The Banjo Is the Instrument for Me
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Temporarily Yours
Grandpa Jones: There's A Grave in the Waves of the Ocean
10:15 Sunbeam
Jack Greene (host): Try A Little Kindness
Justin Tubb: Take A Letter Miss Gray
Jack Greene: Your's For the Taking
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Down in Union County
Riders In The Sky: (?)/Turkey in the Straw/Chicken Reel/Devil's Dream
Roy Acuff: In The Center of the Grand Ole Stage/I Saw the Light
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Connie Smith: Lovin' You Baby
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Roy Drusky: Blues In My Heart
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Wilburn Brothers: Release Me
Eldridge Brothers/Lonzo & Oscar: Little Cabin Home on the Hill
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me
11:30: Bama
4 Guys (host): I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink of Me
Sheila & Bill Carlisle, Jr: In the Pines
Ray Pillow: All You Have to Do Is Come Back Home/Remember Me
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Congratulations again to the Riders In The Sky, and enjoy the Opry this weekend!!
As you can guess from the above comments, The Willis Clan are scheduled for both shows this weekend. Joining them on the Friday Night Opry will be The Steeldrives, who I personally enjoy, The Isaacs, Collin Raye, and a name from the recent past, Bryan White. Also scheduled, and making his Opry debut, is Mo Pitney.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, in addition to The Willis Clan, has a return appearance by Mary Gauthier booked. Also featured is Opry member Steve Wariner. And, while not on the schedule, there is the usual slot saved for Jimmy Dickens.
Friday June 20
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Steeldrivers; Jean Shepard
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bryan White; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mo Pitney
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Collin Raye; The Willis Clan
Saturday June 21
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Greg Bates
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mary Gauthier
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Lucy Hale; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); The Whites; The Willis Clan
And no, I do not dislike The Willis Clan. I have seen them on the Opry previously and they are a talented family. And they are promoting a television show.
As is the custom, here is the posted Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, June 19 & 20, 2009:
Friday June 19
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Emily West
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Tracy Byrd
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; Connie Smith
8:30: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; Alison Krauss
Saturday June 20
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Hal Ketchum; Point Of Grace
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jim Ed Brown; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Mike Snider; Point Of Grace
10:30: John Conlee (host); Hal Ketchum; Sammy Johns; Orpy Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
And now from 10 years ago, the weekend of June 18 & 19, 2004:
Friday June 18
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; BR549
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Christy Sutherland; Stonewall Jackson; Alecia Nugent
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); TG Sheppard; Billy Currington
9:00: Mike Snider (host); Charlie Louvin; Billy Walker; Mandy Barnett
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Gail Davies; Joe Nichols
Saturday June 19
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Eddy Raven
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Chely Wright
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Billy Walker; Alecia Nugent
8:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Riders In The Sky; Jon Randall; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Radney Foster
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Chely Wright
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Radney Foster
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Stu Phillips; Eddy Raven; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Alecia Nugent
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Nagatani; Jon Randall
There are a couple of shows that I did want to mention. One took place on Friday June 20, 1980. That was the night Boxcar Willie made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. The story about Boxcar has been told many times but how he got to Nashville and the Opry is thanks to Wesley Rose, who alerted Roy Acuff. Wesley saw Boxcar at the Wembley Festival in England and he asked Boxcar, "Would you like to be on the Opry?" Boxcar told Wesley that he had been trying to get on the Opry for forty years, of which Wesley told him that when he got back to Nashville, to see him and he would introduce Boxcar to Roy Acuff. The introduction took place, along with an interview and as a result, Boxcar Willie got his guest slot on the Opry. Thanks to that appearance, and the influence of Roy Acuff, Boxcar Willie joined the Opry on February 21, 1981. Here is the line-up from Friday June 20, 1980, the night that Boxcar Willie made his Opry debut.
1st show
6:30: Roy Drusky (host); Justin Tubb; Ernie Ashworth; Connie Smith; Lonzo & Oscar; Little General Cloggers
7:00: Billy Walker (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Louvin; Wilma Lee Cooper; Del Wood
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Stu Phillips; Charlie Daniels
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host) David Houston; Ray Pillow; Wilburn Brothers; Little General Cloggers
8:30: Charlie Walker (host); Four Guys; Bill Carlisle; Stonewall Jackson; Vic Willis Trio
2nd show
9:30: Billy Walker (host); Four Guys; Charlie Louvin; Wilma Lee Cooper; Del Wood
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Lonzo & Oscar; Boxcar Willie; Little General Cloggers
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Charlie Walker; Jean Shepard; Ernie Ashworth
11:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Stu Phillips; Justin Tubb
11:30: David Houston (host); Bill Carlisle; Vic Willis Trio; Ray Pillow
Another solid night at the Opry.
The last line-up to post is from Saturday June 19, 1982, as it was 32 years ago this Saturday night that Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Riders were a trio that consisted of Doug Green, Woody Paul and Too Slim (Fred LaBour), and that brought the songs of the west back to the Opry. They also added a touch of humor to the show.
Doug Green, who wrote the book, "Country Roots: The Origins of Country Music", offered these thoughts on joining the Opry. "It beats me. It just comes so loaded with tradition and emotion and feeling for anybody who cares the least little bit about country music. The first time we were on it was just a magical experience. We guested on the Opry twenty-five times and then they made us members in June of '82, and it's still a magical experience. It's still really wonderful. I'm not as scared as I used to be, but you just feel like you're part of this continuous line of tradition."
Woody Paul had his own thoughts: "I remember when we joined we had been playing a lot on the road. We played in Texas at noon and they chartered a plane and flew us to Fort Worth to get a plane to come be here our first night as members of the Opry. When we walked in at seven o'clock, Hal Durham said, 'Welcome home.' He was sincere about it and suddenly we were just part of this great family."
Not only have the Riders been members of the Opry for 32 years, but they have been great members. Even with the touring and movie soundtracks, they have been very loyal members of the cast and have always made time for the Opry. They are great hosts and add a lot of humor to the show, besides being fine musicians.
Here is the running order from Saturday June 19, 1982, the night Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me and You and A Dog Named Boo
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): Letters Have No Arms
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Riders In The Sky: How the Yodel Was Born/Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Jack Leonard: Back On My Mind Again
Ernest Tubb: Rainbow at Midnight
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Cryin' My Heart Out Over You/Slipping Away
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Grandpa Jones: Four Stone Walls and A Ceiling/What'll I Do With the Baby'O
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Lonzo & Oscar: All the Gold in California
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Connie Smith: I Just Had You On My Mind/Once A Day
Roy Acuff: Stream Line Cannonball
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
4 Guys: I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it to Me Again
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: I Have You and That's Enough For Me
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Have You Ever Been Lonely
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Del Wood: Just Because/Bill Bailey/Beer Barrel Polka
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'/Ol' Chunck of Coal
Jack Leonard: Lone Star Beer and Bob Wills Music
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): The Banjo Is the Instrument for Me
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Temporarily Yours
Grandpa Jones: There's A Grave in the Waves of the Ocean
10:15 Sunbeam
Jack Greene (host): Try A Little Kindness
Justin Tubb: Take A Letter Miss Gray
Jack Greene: Your's For the Taking
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Down in Union County
Riders In The Sky: (?)/Turkey in the Straw/Chicken Reel/Devil's Dream
Roy Acuff: In The Center of the Grand Ole Stage/I Saw the Light
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Connie Smith: Lovin' You Baby
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Roy Drusky: Blues In My Heart
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Wilburn Brothers: Release Me
Eldridge Brothers/Lonzo & Oscar: Little Cabin Home on the Hill
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me
11:30: Bama
4 Guys (host): I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink of Me
Sheila & Bill Carlisle, Jr: In the Pines
Ray Pillow: All You Have to Do Is Come Back Home/Remember Me
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Congratulations again to the Riders In The Sky, and enjoy the Opry this weekend!!