Before getting into the Grand Ole Opry's weekend line-ups, there are a couple of pieces of news that I wanted to pass along:
First, word came this morning that Ramona Jones, the widow of Grandpa Jones, had passed away at the age of 91. She was from Van Buren, Indiana before eventually moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she met Grandpa and began working with him professionally. They married in 1946. They continued to perform together as Ramona was an excellent fiddler who loved the old time country music. Personally, I always thought one of the best routines that Grandpa and Ramona did was when the did the Bells routine, using cowbells strapped to their feet and hands. I remember their version of Jingle Bells. Our prayers and thoughts go to her family.
The second bit of news is that word was received late this afternoon that Bonnie Brown, former Grand Ole Opry member and one of the newest members into the Country Music Hall of Fame, has been hospitalized for the past week with a collapsed lung. The treatment as not gone well and the family, and others, have asked for prayers.
Now to some positive news:
It will be a big weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as the legendary Jean Shepard will be celebrating 60 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jean is scheduled for the first show on Saturday night and she is listed as Bill Anderson's only guest. Hopefully they treat her right and really honor her as the first female to reach 60 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. And that is 60 consecutive years!!!
Joining Jean on Saturday night, in addition to Bill Anderson, will be Grand Ole Opry members Vince Gill, Mel Tillis, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Jesse McReynolds and Jeannie Seely. Hopefully they all take part in the celebration. Also scheduled are guest artists Andrew Petersen, Charles Esten, and Glen Campbell's daughter Ashley Campbell. Ashley has been continuing the legacy of her father Glen and who knows, she may do a Glen Campbell song or two on the Opry Saturday night.
The Friday Night Opry is looking a little thin. The segment hosts will be Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Connie Smith and Mel Tillis, while the only other Opry member scheduled is Bobby Osborne. There are two very nice guest artists scheduled in Gene Watson and Lee Greenwood. And the younger fans should be thrilled to see Jackie Lee and Lindsay Ell. And that is it currently for Friday night. I would think we will see at least a couple of more scheduled.
Friday November 20
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jackie Lee
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Lindsay Ell; Gene Watson
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:45: Mel Tillis (host); Lee Greenwood
Saturday November 21
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Andrew Petersen
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tillis
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Ashley Campbell; Charles Esten
2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Andrew Petersen
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tillis
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Ashley Campbell; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Charles Esten
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, November 19 & 20, 2010:
Friday November 19
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Jean Shepard; Rebecca Lynn Howard
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jack Greene; Daryle Singletary
Intermission
8:15: Charley Pride (host); Stonewall Jackson; George Hamilton IV; Ralph Stanley
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Craig Morgan
Saturday November 20
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Radney Foster
7:30: Charley Pride (host); Jean Shepard; Mike Snider
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); w/Paul Shaffer; Connie Smith; Ralph Stanley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Charlie Daniels Band
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Radney Foster
10:00: Charley Pride (host); The Whites; Mike Snider
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); w/Paul Shaffer; Connie Smith; Ralph Stanley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Charlie Daniels Band
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of November 18 & 19, 2005:
Friday November 18
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Whites; Del McCoury Band
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Miranda Lambert
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Osborne Brothers; John Corbett
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Darryl Worley
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mike Snider; Connie Smith
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Whites; Del McCoury Band
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver/Miranda Lambert
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Osborne Brothers; Darryl Worley
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; John Corbett
Saturday November 19
1st show
6:30: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Connie Smith
7:00: Carrie Underwood; John Corbett; Miranda Lambert; Rascal Flatts
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Elizabeth Cook; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; The Whites; Vince Gill
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Miranda Lambert
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Rascal Flatts
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker; John Corbett; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); The Whites; Carrie Underwood
11:30: Jim Ed Brown w/Helen Cornelius; Elizabeth Cook; Del McCoury Band
As previously stated, Saturday night is Jean Shepard's 60th anniversary as an Opry member. Much as she was the first female Opry member to reach 50 years as an Opry member, she will be the first to reach 60. And that is 60 consecutive years!!
I thought it would be interesting to look back at previous editions of the Grand Ole Opry's Picture History Books and see how the biographies they printed about Jean have changed a bit over the years. The first one is from Volume 1, which was published in 1957:
"Pretty Jean Shepard traveled across the nation to join the Grand Ole Opry. She was singing on Hank Thompson's show in California when she decided to try for a berth on the Opry, the goal of all country music stars. Born in Paul's Valley, Oklahoma, Jean moved with her family to Visalia, Calif., in 1943, where she attended high school and sang with the school's glee club. Encouraged by her family to try singing as a profession, the petite Opry-star-to-be promptly signed with the Melody Ranch Girls. It was while with this group that Thompson heard her sing and arranged a contract with Capital Records. Jean's 'Dear John Letter' and 'Forgive Me John' in 1953 earned Cash Box magazine's 'Most Promising Star' rating and her spot on the Opry. Jean is versatility personified. She plays the drums, string bass and guitar in addition to her vocalizing-and her neat appearance adds prettiness and charm to stage shows. Miss Shepard is an expert horsewoman, and one of Jean's latest hobbies is teaching her Minah Bird to talk."
That was in 1957.Now here is how it was written in the Picture History book in 2000 on the occasion of the Grand Ole Opry's 75th anniversary:
"Jean Shepard was the first country female vocalist in the post-war era to sell a million records. She was the first to overdub her voice on record and the first to make a color television commercial. She was also the first singing female Opry member to celebrate 40 years with the Opry cast. And she'll be the last to sing anything but that upon which she's built her enduring career-pure country-emphasis on both words."
"Jean was born in Oklahoma but grew up in Visalia, California, one of 10 children who were all musically inclined. When she was 14 she formed an all-girl western swing band called The Melody Ranch Girls. Soon they were playing dances and local radio shows. One night The Melody Ranch Girls played a show with country legend Hank Thompson. He was so impressed with Jean that he introduced her to record executives and set up a recording deal with Capital Records. She cut her first record when she was only 15. Jean soon moved to Springfield, Missouri, to join Red Foley and the stars on the Ozark Jubilee. Next she enjoyed monster success with Ferlin Husky on the 'Dear John Letter' and its sequel 'Forgive Me John.' Both records sold more than a million copies and she and Ferlin played to crowds throughout the U.S. Jean then took her distinct country stylings to the Grand Ole Opry, earning Opry membership on November 21, 1955. She has recorded more than 25 albums-including the 1956 'Songs of a Love Affair' on which she wrote all 12 songs-and hit the charts with releases such as 'Satisfied Mind,''Another Lonely Night.''Then He Touched Me,''Seven Lonely Days,''Slipping Away,''At the Time,''I'll Do Anything' and 'Tips of my Fingers.'"
"Jean married Opry great Hawkshaw Hawkins and had a son Don Robin, named for their good friends Don Gibson and Marty Robbins. In March 1963 she was eight months pregnant with their second child when Hawkshaw died in the tragic plane crash that also took the lives of Opry stars Cowboy Copas and Patsy Cline and Patsy's manager and pilot Randy Hughes. When Jean's son was born a month later, she named him Harold Franklin Hawkins II for his father. Jean today is happily married to Benny Birchfield, a musician, singer and member of Nashville's music community. Together with their versatile band 'The Second Fiddles' they tour extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe entertaining audiences with pure country-emphasis on both words."
As you can see, the 2000 write-up was much more extensive then what was written in 1957. Now to finish it out, here is what the biography from the current 90th anniversary Grand Ole Opry Family Album:
"In 2005, Jean Shepard became the first female singer to reach the 50-year milestone as a Grand Ole Opry member. But Jean's a performer whose career has been marked by a whole series of firsts. Her early hit 'A Dear John Letter,' sung with Ferlin Husky, was the first post-World War II country record by a woman to sell a million copies. Jean's most lasting breakthroughs can't be measured in numbers. When she began recording for Ken Nelson at Capital Records in 1952, there was really no precedent in country music for a young woman recording and touring on her own rather than as a member of a family team, couple, or as a band's 'girl singer.' The teenager who dared to sing 'Twice the Lovin' in Half the Time' as her first single would go on to have hard-country hits though the '50s with 'Don't Fall in Love With a Married Man' and 'The Root of All Evil (Is a Man).' In 1956, she took-for the first time on a country hit-the daring part not of a wronged wife but of 'The Other Woman.' These forceful hits set the stage for Loretta Lynn, Reba, and other assertive country women that followed. Jean's own high-charting hits continued right on through the classic 'Slippin' Away.'"
"Born in Oklahoma, Jean grew up in Visalia, California-one of 10 children in a musically inclined family that listened to the Opry on the radio but had to save pennies to buy a Jimmie Rodgers record once a year. Hank Thompson spotted her when she was just 14, singing and playing bass in an all-girl band she'd formed, called the Melody Ranch Girls. Hank quickly brought her to the attention of Capital Records. She was an early star, along with Porter Wagoner, of Red Foley's Ozark Jubilee broadcasts out of Springfield, Missouri, and she actually preceded Porter at the Opry. Over the years, Jean has been a vocal proponent of undiluted, hard honky tonk sounds onstage and on the air. We can all hear what she has in mind directly-every time she sings."
There you have it. 3 different biographies, each from a different era and point of her career.
Jean became a Grand Ole Opry member on November 21, 1955, which was actually on a Monday. That would have been the day that she accepted the Opry's invitation. Her first appearance as an Opry member would be the following Saturday night, November 26. Here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from November 26, 1955-Jean Shepard's first appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
7:30: Federal Fertilizer Co.
Marty Robbins (host): Maybelline
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Don and Rita: Lonely Heart
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle
7:45: American Ace
George Morgan (host): Ever So Often
Goldie Hill: Ain't Gonna Wash My Face
Eddie Hill: Smack Dab In The Middle
George Morgan: Jesus, Saviour Pilot Me
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream
8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs: Theme Song
Jim Reeves (host): Looking For A Sucker
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Standing at the End of the World
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special
Jean Shepard: Satisfied Mind
Moon Mullican: Mean Mama
Possum Hunters: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Jim Reeves: I've Lived A Lot in my Lifetime
Maybelle Carter: Wildwood Flower
Flatt and Scruggs: Bubbling In My Soul
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Car-Hoppin' Mama
Fiddle Tune: Blackeyed Susan
8:30: Prince Albert
Ferlin Huskey (host): I'll Baby Sit With You
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Louvin Brothers: I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
Ferlin Huskey: Sayeth The Lord
Del Wood: Smoky Mountain Polka
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Louvin Brothers: I'm The Middle of Nowhere
Chet Atkins: Avalon
Ferlin Huskey: Walking and Humming
Fiddle Tune: Katy Hill
9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Hank Snow (host): Music Making Mama
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner
Lonzo and Oscar: The Cow Jumped the Moon
Bill Monroe: I Used To Be
Carlisles: Knot-Hole
Marty Robbins: Pretty Mama
Hank Snow: I Can See The Love In Your Heart
Lonzo and Oscar: Snow Deer
Carlisles: Little Liza Jane
Fiddle Tune: Back Up and Push
9:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Jordanaires: Theme Song
Ray Price (host): I Don't Want You On My Conscience
Slim Whitman: Tell Me
Anita Carter: Mask On My Heart
Cousin Jody: Dear John
Crook Brothers: Girl I Left Behind
Louvin Brothers; Just Rehearsing
Grandpa Jones: Night Train to Memphis
Chet Atkins: Five Foot Two
Jordanaires: Shaking Bridges
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
10:00: Wall-Rite
George Morgan (host): Almost
Bill Monroe: Close By
Moon Mullican: Cherokee Boogie
George Morgan: The Best Mistake I Ever Made
Fiddle Tune: Buffalo Gal
10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Marty Robbins (host): That's Alright
Carlisles: I Was On My Way to The Show
Goldie Hill: Why Don't You Leave Me Alone
Marty Robbins: Don't Let Me Hang Around
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream
10:30: Hester Battery
Jim Reeves (host): Looking For A Sucker
R.D. Heardon: To Be Announced
Jean Shepard: Beautiful Lies
Jim Reeves: I'm Hurting Inside
Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer
10:45: D Con
Hank Snow (host): Just Keep on Moving
Jimmy Snow: Go Back You Fool
Gully Jumpers: Bully of the Town
Hank Snow: Within This Broken Heart
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatham
11:00: W. E. Stephens
Lonzo and Oscar: Theme Song
Ferlin Huskey (host): I Feel Better All Over
Hawkshaw Hawkins: The Love You Steal
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Lonzo and Oscar: Who Put That Brick Wall In My Way
Slim Whitman: Indian Love Call
Grandpa Jones: Call Old Rattler
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch and Chain
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Ferlin Huskey: Cuz You're So Sweet
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
11:30: Delited
Ray Price (host): Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
Louvin Brothers: When I Stop Dreaming
Eddie Hill: Someday You'll Call My Name
Sam and Kirk: While I'm Away
Cousin Jody: Oh, Wonderful World
Ray Price: Release Me
Dot and Smokey: Contact
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Fiddle Tune: Sleepy Lou
Congratulations once again to Jean Shepard for 60 years of membership on the Grand Ole Opry. Enjoy the show this weekend!!
First, word came this morning that Ramona Jones, the widow of Grandpa Jones, had passed away at the age of 91. She was from Van Buren, Indiana before eventually moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she met Grandpa and began working with him professionally. They married in 1946. They continued to perform together as Ramona was an excellent fiddler who loved the old time country music. Personally, I always thought one of the best routines that Grandpa and Ramona did was when the did the Bells routine, using cowbells strapped to their feet and hands. I remember their version of Jingle Bells. Our prayers and thoughts go to her family.
The second bit of news is that word was received late this afternoon that Bonnie Brown, former Grand Ole Opry member and one of the newest members into the Country Music Hall of Fame, has been hospitalized for the past week with a collapsed lung. The treatment as not gone well and the family, and others, have asked for prayers.
Now to some positive news:
It will be a big weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as the legendary Jean Shepard will be celebrating 60 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jean is scheduled for the first show on Saturday night and she is listed as Bill Anderson's only guest. Hopefully they treat her right and really honor her as the first female to reach 60 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. And that is 60 consecutive years!!!
Joining Jean on Saturday night, in addition to Bill Anderson, will be Grand Ole Opry members Vince Gill, Mel Tillis, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Jesse McReynolds and Jeannie Seely. Hopefully they all take part in the celebration. Also scheduled are guest artists Andrew Petersen, Charles Esten, and Glen Campbell's daughter Ashley Campbell. Ashley has been continuing the legacy of her father Glen and who knows, she may do a Glen Campbell song or two on the Opry Saturday night.
The Friday Night Opry is looking a little thin. The segment hosts will be Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Connie Smith and Mel Tillis, while the only other Opry member scheduled is Bobby Osborne. There are two very nice guest artists scheduled in Gene Watson and Lee Greenwood. And the younger fans should be thrilled to see Jackie Lee and Lindsay Ell. And that is it currently for Friday night. I would think we will see at least a couple of more scheduled.
Friday November 20
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jackie Lee
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Lindsay Ell; Gene Watson
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:45: Mel Tillis (host); Lee Greenwood
Saturday November 21
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Andrew Petersen
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tillis
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Ashley Campbell; Charles Esten
2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Andrew Petersen
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Mel Tillis
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Ashley Campbell; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Charles Esten
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, November 19 & 20, 2010:
Friday November 19
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Jean Shepard; Rebecca Lynn Howard
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jack Greene; Daryle Singletary
Intermission
8:15: Charley Pride (host); Stonewall Jackson; George Hamilton IV; Ralph Stanley
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Craig Morgan
Saturday November 20
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Radney Foster
7:30: Charley Pride (host); Jean Shepard; Mike Snider
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); w/Paul Shaffer; Connie Smith; Ralph Stanley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Charlie Daniels Band
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Radney Foster
10:00: Charley Pride (host); The Whites; Mike Snider
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); w/Paul Shaffer; Connie Smith; Ralph Stanley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Charlie Daniels Band
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of November 18 & 19, 2005:
Friday November 18
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Whites; Del McCoury Band
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Miranda Lambert
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Osborne Brothers; John Corbett
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Darryl Worley
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mike Snider; Connie Smith
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Whites; Del McCoury Band
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver/Miranda Lambert
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Osborne Brothers; Darryl Worley
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; John Corbett
Saturday November 19
1st show
6:30: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Connie Smith
7:00: Carrie Underwood; John Corbett; Miranda Lambert; Rascal Flatts
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Elizabeth Cook; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; The Whites; Vince Gill
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Miranda Lambert
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Rascal Flatts
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker; John Corbett; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); The Whites; Carrie Underwood
11:30: Jim Ed Brown w/Helen Cornelius; Elizabeth Cook; Del McCoury Band
As previously stated, Saturday night is Jean Shepard's 60th anniversary as an Opry member. Much as she was the first female Opry member to reach 50 years as an Opry member, she will be the first to reach 60. And that is 60 consecutive years!!
I thought it would be interesting to look back at previous editions of the Grand Ole Opry's Picture History Books and see how the biographies they printed about Jean have changed a bit over the years. The first one is from Volume 1, which was published in 1957:
"Pretty Jean Shepard traveled across the nation to join the Grand Ole Opry. She was singing on Hank Thompson's show in California when she decided to try for a berth on the Opry, the goal of all country music stars. Born in Paul's Valley, Oklahoma, Jean moved with her family to Visalia, Calif., in 1943, where she attended high school and sang with the school's glee club. Encouraged by her family to try singing as a profession, the petite Opry-star-to-be promptly signed with the Melody Ranch Girls. It was while with this group that Thompson heard her sing and arranged a contract with Capital Records. Jean's 'Dear John Letter' and 'Forgive Me John' in 1953 earned Cash Box magazine's 'Most Promising Star' rating and her spot on the Opry. Jean is versatility personified. She plays the drums, string bass and guitar in addition to her vocalizing-and her neat appearance adds prettiness and charm to stage shows. Miss Shepard is an expert horsewoman, and one of Jean's latest hobbies is teaching her Minah Bird to talk."
That was in 1957.Now here is how it was written in the Picture History book in 2000 on the occasion of the Grand Ole Opry's 75th anniversary:
"Jean Shepard was the first country female vocalist in the post-war era to sell a million records. She was the first to overdub her voice on record and the first to make a color television commercial. She was also the first singing female Opry member to celebrate 40 years with the Opry cast. And she'll be the last to sing anything but that upon which she's built her enduring career-pure country-emphasis on both words."
"Jean was born in Oklahoma but grew up in Visalia, California, one of 10 children who were all musically inclined. When she was 14 she formed an all-girl western swing band called The Melody Ranch Girls. Soon they were playing dances and local radio shows. One night The Melody Ranch Girls played a show with country legend Hank Thompson. He was so impressed with Jean that he introduced her to record executives and set up a recording deal with Capital Records. She cut her first record when she was only 15. Jean soon moved to Springfield, Missouri, to join Red Foley and the stars on the Ozark Jubilee. Next she enjoyed monster success with Ferlin Husky on the 'Dear John Letter' and its sequel 'Forgive Me John.' Both records sold more than a million copies and she and Ferlin played to crowds throughout the U.S. Jean then took her distinct country stylings to the Grand Ole Opry, earning Opry membership on November 21, 1955. She has recorded more than 25 albums-including the 1956 'Songs of a Love Affair' on which she wrote all 12 songs-and hit the charts with releases such as 'Satisfied Mind,''Another Lonely Night.''Then He Touched Me,''Seven Lonely Days,''Slipping Away,''At the Time,''I'll Do Anything' and 'Tips of my Fingers.'"
"Jean married Opry great Hawkshaw Hawkins and had a son Don Robin, named for their good friends Don Gibson and Marty Robbins. In March 1963 she was eight months pregnant with their second child when Hawkshaw died in the tragic plane crash that also took the lives of Opry stars Cowboy Copas and Patsy Cline and Patsy's manager and pilot Randy Hughes. When Jean's son was born a month later, she named him Harold Franklin Hawkins II for his father. Jean today is happily married to Benny Birchfield, a musician, singer and member of Nashville's music community. Together with their versatile band 'The Second Fiddles' they tour extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe entertaining audiences with pure country-emphasis on both words."
As you can see, the 2000 write-up was much more extensive then what was written in 1957. Now to finish it out, here is what the biography from the current 90th anniversary Grand Ole Opry Family Album:
"In 2005, Jean Shepard became the first female singer to reach the 50-year milestone as a Grand Ole Opry member. But Jean's a performer whose career has been marked by a whole series of firsts. Her early hit 'A Dear John Letter,' sung with Ferlin Husky, was the first post-World War II country record by a woman to sell a million copies. Jean's most lasting breakthroughs can't be measured in numbers. When she began recording for Ken Nelson at Capital Records in 1952, there was really no precedent in country music for a young woman recording and touring on her own rather than as a member of a family team, couple, or as a band's 'girl singer.' The teenager who dared to sing 'Twice the Lovin' in Half the Time' as her first single would go on to have hard-country hits though the '50s with 'Don't Fall in Love With a Married Man' and 'The Root of All Evil (Is a Man).' In 1956, she took-for the first time on a country hit-the daring part not of a wronged wife but of 'The Other Woman.' These forceful hits set the stage for Loretta Lynn, Reba, and other assertive country women that followed. Jean's own high-charting hits continued right on through the classic 'Slippin' Away.'"
"Born in Oklahoma, Jean grew up in Visalia, California-one of 10 children in a musically inclined family that listened to the Opry on the radio but had to save pennies to buy a Jimmie Rodgers record once a year. Hank Thompson spotted her when she was just 14, singing and playing bass in an all-girl band she'd formed, called the Melody Ranch Girls. Hank quickly brought her to the attention of Capital Records. She was an early star, along with Porter Wagoner, of Red Foley's Ozark Jubilee broadcasts out of Springfield, Missouri, and she actually preceded Porter at the Opry. Over the years, Jean has been a vocal proponent of undiluted, hard honky tonk sounds onstage and on the air. We can all hear what she has in mind directly-every time she sings."
There you have it. 3 different biographies, each from a different era and point of her career.
Jean became a Grand Ole Opry member on November 21, 1955, which was actually on a Monday. That would have been the day that she accepted the Opry's invitation. Her first appearance as an Opry member would be the following Saturday night, November 26. Here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from November 26, 1955-Jean Shepard's first appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
7:30: Federal Fertilizer Co.
Marty Robbins (host): Maybelline
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Don and Rita: Lonely Heart
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle
7:45: American Ace
George Morgan (host): Ever So Often
Goldie Hill: Ain't Gonna Wash My Face
Eddie Hill: Smack Dab In The Middle
George Morgan: Jesus, Saviour Pilot Me
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream
8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs: Theme Song
Jim Reeves (host): Looking For A Sucker
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Standing at the End of the World
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special
Jean Shepard: Satisfied Mind
Moon Mullican: Mean Mama
Possum Hunters: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Jim Reeves: I've Lived A Lot in my Lifetime
Maybelle Carter: Wildwood Flower
Flatt and Scruggs: Bubbling In My Soul
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Car-Hoppin' Mama
Fiddle Tune: Blackeyed Susan
8:30: Prince Albert
Ferlin Huskey (host): I'll Baby Sit With You
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Louvin Brothers: I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
Ferlin Huskey: Sayeth The Lord
Del Wood: Smoky Mountain Polka
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Louvin Brothers: I'm The Middle of Nowhere
Chet Atkins: Avalon
Ferlin Huskey: Walking and Humming
Fiddle Tune: Katy Hill
9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Hank Snow (host): Music Making Mama
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner
Lonzo and Oscar: The Cow Jumped the Moon
Bill Monroe: I Used To Be
Carlisles: Knot-Hole
Marty Robbins: Pretty Mama
Hank Snow: I Can See The Love In Your Heart
Lonzo and Oscar: Snow Deer
Carlisles: Little Liza Jane
Fiddle Tune: Back Up and Push
9:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Jordanaires: Theme Song
Ray Price (host): I Don't Want You On My Conscience
Slim Whitman: Tell Me
Anita Carter: Mask On My Heart
Cousin Jody: Dear John
Crook Brothers: Girl I Left Behind
Louvin Brothers; Just Rehearsing
Grandpa Jones: Night Train to Memphis
Chet Atkins: Five Foot Two
Jordanaires: Shaking Bridges
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
10:00: Wall-Rite
George Morgan (host): Almost
Bill Monroe: Close By
Moon Mullican: Cherokee Boogie
George Morgan: The Best Mistake I Ever Made
Fiddle Tune: Buffalo Gal
10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Marty Robbins (host): That's Alright
Carlisles: I Was On My Way to The Show
Goldie Hill: Why Don't You Leave Me Alone
Marty Robbins: Don't Let Me Hang Around
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream
10:30: Hester Battery
Jim Reeves (host): Looking For A Sucker
R.D. Heardon: To Be Announced
Jean Shepard: Beautiful Lies
Jim Reeves: I'm Hurting Inside
Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer
10:45: D Con
Hank Snow (host): Just Keep on Moving
Jimmy Snow: Go Back You Fool
Gully Jumpers: Bully of the Town
Hank Snow: Within This Broken Heart
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatham
11:00: W. E. Stephens
Lonzo and Oscar: Theme Song
Ferlin Huskey (host): I Feel Better All Over
Hawkshaw Hawkins: The Love You Steal
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Lonzo and Oscar: Who Put That Brick Wall In My Way
Slim Whitman: Indian Love Call
Grandpa Jones: Call Old Rattler
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch and Chain
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Ferlin Huskey: Cuz You're So Sweet
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
11:30: Delited
Ray Price (host): Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
Louvin Brothers: When I Stop Dreaming
Eddie Hill: Someday You'll Call My Name
Sam and Kirk: While I'm Away
Cousin Jody: Oh, Wonderful World
Ray Price: Release Me
Dot and Smokey: Contact
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Fiddle Tune: Sleepy Lou
Congratulations once again to Jean Shepard for 60 years of membership on the Grand Ole Opry. Enjoy the show this weekend!!