Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

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Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

I was thinking the other night in bed about which classic country artist has NOT get a chance in a life time dream to sign on with the Grand Ole Opry,The will deserved classic country now at 60 to 90 years old are still waiting in the wings to get invited to join on the Opry.As I see newcombers come in as get sign on all the time like last May when young Carrie Underwood sign on.I'm glad to see Charlie Daniels get on board.

 

[Tom Wells]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

Now we know what woke us up the other night was Stoneman Family but wait whynot Grand OLd opry sign ons not have been
easy 60 90 years old now wondered why such an idea woke us like that.

Newcombers at 90 will never not get invited, but we never see them, are they out in the bus Charlie Daniels'?

 

[dunebugg66]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

Believe it or not, Johnny Cash never was inducted in the Opry.

To be invited into the Opry, Opry mgmt has to pick an artist that upkeeps the standards of country music's tradition.

I feel it's a shame he never was.

 

[nmoore6676]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

In the past the Opry required a minimum commitment to appear at something like half of the Saturday night shows in a year. A lot of the most popular artists would not make that commitment because it meant giving up appearances that would earn them a lot more money. I think the Opry still only pays minimum scale so that is one consideration. Now I think that they are a lot more lenient about the performance commitment as I don't hear most of the new inductees as well as a lot of the older members on any given Saturday night.

There is a lot of grousing now about who appears on the Opry, particularly the Saturday night shows. The TV portion, when it is actually live, usually features newer artists who are not even members. The older more traditional artists are relegated to the non televised portions. I don't hate the new artists, though some of them are not especially my taste. I did really love the old TNN telecasts which only were half an hour but you could see Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff as wll as some of the newer stars.

 

[fayfare]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

Just to clarify, Johnny Cash was a member of the Opry for about 2 years, very early in his career. It is well documented that he was fired from the Opry after he kicked out all the stage lights at the end of one of his performances. He later wrote that it was on one of the nights that he was under the influence of drugs. Regarding Opry members, for the newer members that they have been inducting, management has been asking them to commit to 10 appearances per year. For the most part, those who have joined since 2000, have been honoring that committment. With the Opry now at 2 hours for their Friday night show, and the 2 shows on Saturday night now at 2 hours, there are less slots available for the artists, especially the legends. The 1st show for this Saturday, as an example, only has 10 artists on the line-up. In its hayday, there were as many as 30 artists who would perform on a Saturday night.

 

[TheBigA]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

Fayfare is correct about Cash getting fired. Same as Hank Williams. After Cash married June, there were talks about him returning, but he simply didn't have the time. He had a good relationship with management and insisted on doing his ABC TV show from the Ryman, even though the facility was below network standards. Current management view both Johnny & June as Opry legends today.

One thing that's helped new Opry members keep their membership commitment is the Tuesday night Opry. While it's not televised, it's only one show (as opposed to Saturday's 2 shows) and is easily done since so many live in town, and don't usually have shows. It's well attended because it's often a bonus for hotel guests.

 

[nmoore6676]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

I remember as a kid you could always depend on Ernest Tubb, Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells at every show. Last night was the first night that I can remember since his induction that I heard Josh Turner. Also in the old days artists aspired to the Opry and I believe less so today. For example Stonewall Jackson, went without a record and on the strength of his singing and songs got a slot without a record contract. By the way he returned for the first time in a long time and since his suit last night. Today there are many more country artists who are scattered more around the country and grew up listening to rock who never heard the Opry. So their aspirations are not so much to be on the show. Another interesting fact is that both Charlie Daniels and Mel Tillis were only inducted this year.

Maybe the time has come to not think of The Grand Ole Opry as some sort of country music hall of fame but more of a viable living show. When I grew up the "old" stars were the current stars of country music, now the ones who are still living are the hall of fame candidates. I loved hearing Porter Wagoner, and I hope Jimmy Dickens can return but the new fans may not have my reverence for them. To me Bill Anderson and Connie Smith are still a treat as well as Jim Ed Brown and Jean Shepard along with many others. However I do enjoy people like Brad Paisley, Josh Turner as well, but maybe some of the other newbies not so much. My point being that maybe having more variety and not repeating the same few performers each week might solve all of the issues and keep the show viable. Having a regular core cast is good, but maybe having different levels of membership depending on the ability to appear would work.

Does anyone have any thoughts about maybe a national radio broadcast in syndication? WSM had always been somewhat exclusive, but no one listens to skip AM radio like they did when I was a kid. I can recall listening on Saturday nights as the signal faded in and out. I think it is now again on XM and they do stream, but how about terrestrial radio listeners who are not computer geeks like me?

 

[TheBigA]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

Does anyone have any thoughts about maybe a national radio broadcast in syndication?]

America's Grand Ole Opry Weekend is syndicated by Westwood One.

http://www.opry.com/TuneIn/AGOOW.aspx

 

[TheBigA]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

Another interesting fact is that both Charlie Daniels and Mel Tillis were only inducted this year.

Mel Tillis was never available. Pam talked about this when she became a member. They've wanted him for years, but either he was too busy on the road, or he had his own theater in Branson. Once he sold the theater, he had more time. But now he lives in Florida, so he probably won't be on as often as some of the others.

Charlie is an interesting story. In the 60s and 70s, he was a long-haired country boy, and his music wasn't considered country. Most country radio stations didn't play his music, and his record contract wasn't with a Nashville label. Then he got very busy and didn't have the time. In the last few years, he's been slowing down, and was looking for a regular place to play. Members like Trace Adkins and several others spoke up on his behalf. Most of the younger members grew up listening to him. The older ones remember what a rebel he was. But the Opry management recognized that Charlie is a passionate speaker and great representative for the institution, and will devote all his spare time and energy to it.

 

[nmoore6676]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

Does anyone have any thoughts about maybe a national radio broadcast in syndication?]

America's Grand Ole Opry Weekend is syndicated by Westwood One.

http://www.opry.com/TuneIn/AGOOW.aspx

We get it here but to me it is not the actual 'Opry. It is just some cuts from the past shows with commentary and interviews. What I would like is the actual broadcast, if not the Saturday shows then the Friday night or Tuesday night show. Since I listen on line its not for me but for the fans who aren't computer owners. Lots of older people, including my contemporaries, don't own them and don't want to. Probably the same for Satellite radio, mostly younger people want it and most of the receivers are in cars anyway.

 

[TheBigA]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

What I would like is the actual broadcast, if not the Saturday shows then the Friday night or Tuesday night show.

Can't happen for several reasons: Time zone differences across the country, time conflicts at radio stations, the requirement by artists to approve the performance before broadcast, and the broad range of music in a typical Opry show doesn't fit any radio format.

Also, it would compete with WSM-AM's own broadcast and web cast. They want exclusivity of that full two hour show. If people could hear it for free, why would they subscribe to WSM Online?

These factors play a part in why the telecast on GAC is only for an hour. The Opry doesn't want to give the whole show away for free.

 

[nmoore6676]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

What I would like is the actual broadcast, if not the Saturday shows then the Friday night or Tuesday night show.

Can't happen for several reasons: Time zone differences across the country, time conflicts at radio stations, the requirement by artists to approve the performance before broadcast, and the broad range of music in a typical Opry show doesn't fit any radio format.

Also, it would compete with WSM-AM's own broadcast and web cast. They want exclusivity of that full two hour show. If people could hear it for free, why would they subscribe to WSM Online?

These factors play a part in why the telecast on GAC is only for an hour. The Opry doesn't want to give the whole show away for free.

I get what you are saying but there have been times in the past when the 'Opry was carried by NBC radio, until the 50's i believe, and yes I can see that there would be logistical issues. For instance GAC might not want their audience diluted by a radio simulcast. As I've said I get it on their online stream which kind of negates your "giving it away for free" theory. Also it is carried on XM which is a national network of sorts. I wouldn't expect them to give it away for free, syndicaters get paid for their programs. Maybe they could only carry the second show for that matter. I think a lot of the "Classic Country" stations would be glad to have it, I can see where contemporary formats might have an issue.

My other concern is that Gaylord could decide to sell WSM, they very nearly did a few years back. They once had a world class TV production facility at Opryland with the TNN and later CMT cable networks and WSM-TV. They also had some radio properties, including WSM-FM. If a major player came out with a big fat check WSM could have a new owner with entirely different priorities. Although Clear Channel has kept the "Wheeling Jamboree" there is no guarantee that a new owner in Nashville would also do so with the 'Opry. Since the show is pretty much local in nature, many newer artists don't see it as the career booster that it was in the 40's, 50's, and the 60's. If it had more of a nationwide audience it could gain that stature again.
With some kind of network and the revenue generated it should be more insulated from the whims of Gaylord alone.

I know these are pie in the sky dreams and at my age a lot of institutions that were a a major part of my earlier life have disappeared or changed into mere shells of what they once were. So if the 'Opry dies it would just be another casualty of modern business, but one that would hurt me very deeply.

 

[TheBigA]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

So if the 'Opry dies it would just be another casualty of modern business, but one that would hurt me very deeply.

I don't think the Opry is in danger of "dying." But things are likely to change.

 

[fayfare]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

The Opry and WSM are basically tied together. I do not think that Gaylord has any interest in selling WSM. If, and when, that time comes, will be when a decision is made regarding the future of the Opry. The current management of Gaylord is much more interested in the profitability of the Opry then when it was owned by National Life. Being a stock holder owned company, it is expected to turn a profit and pay a dividend. The stock price is down almost 50% in the last year. Many of the decisions that Pete Fisher has been making of late, are driven by that; such as reducing the time frame of the shows; signing presenting sponsors; reducing the number of artists per show; and limiting the number of personal band members that performers can use during their performance. The Opry does still pay union scale to the artists, however, it is well known within the industry, that the Opry management has many "side" deals with various performers. These include the guarantee of appearing on the TV portion, which they receive a higher fee for, and in doing various Opry promoted side projects. Regarding some of the people who are not members, or have never been invited, most people would be suprised at the number of performers who have turned down opportunites to be Opry members. Lee Greenwood is one of those. He has stated in interviews many times that he has been asked previously to be a member of the Opry, but because of his heavy tour schedule, he was unable to make that committment. He did say that the Opry management has said he can be on any time he wishes to appear. I believe it is the same with the Oak Ridge Boys. One of the previous posters was right about Johnny Cash being invited to join again in the 1980's. Roy Acuff made the personal appeal to John, but he again turned it down due to the committment of time. They wanted him to fill the closing spot that Marty Robbins always appeared in. I also heard that when they recently invited Carrie Underwood as a member, that she and one other female artist was under consideration, as the management felt it was time to induct one of the newer, younger female singers.

 

[Tom Wells]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

And just a night or two ago, I swear I heard (apology for not remembering who) refer to Johnny Cash as an Opry Hall of Fame Member.

Posthumous granting? Can someone say for sure if Johnny's in?

 

[fayfare]

Re: Grand Ole Opry"Classic country artist have not join the Opry or weren't invited"

As I think everyone knows, Johnny Cash is in the Country Music Hall of Fame. There is no Grand Ole Opry Hall of Fame. Only living performers are members of the Grand Ole Opry. Hope that helps you out.