Opry Trivia Question

Rich Paton · Post by **Rich Paton** » 8 Jan 2000 3:02 am

I was shuffling through some papers earlier and found an interesting story. So:
What musician was the Very First to perform at the Grand Old Opry?

Rich Paton · Post by **Rich Paton** » 8 Jan 2000 9:30 am

You nailed it, Sleepy John! Man, you guys are sharp. I found a picture of Uncle Jimmy Thompson on the cover of a 1995 concert program from "The Legends of the Folk Violin" which was a tour featuring Kenny Baker, Claude Williams, Michael Doucet, Josh Graves and other notables. Kenny was absent due to a recent heart attack, but it was a fantastic show none the less. Claude Williams at 85 was a real knockout. 76 years' experience playing the fiddle! He played for decades before amplification was used. Very powerful dynamics and great tone from the Master.

Kenny Dail · Post by **Kenny Dail** » 8 Jan 2000 7:58 pm

As I understand it, the 2nd performer was a black Harmonica player named D. Ford Bailey. Correct me if I'm wrong...

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kd...and the beat goes on...

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 9 Jan 2000 11:36 am

Got this information from "The Country Music Story", copyright 1966, by Shelton & Goldblatt...

"The official story and the popular legend of the 'Opry' centers on an old Texas fiddler, Uncle Jimmy Thompson, who got things rolling on Nov. 28, 1925. However, it appears certain that several old timers...preceeded Uncle Jimmy playing country music on WSM."

Among them were Dr. Humphrey Bate and his daughter Alcyon, Staley Walton, and Burt Hutcherson.

Also, Deford Bailey was the first black performer, and one of the first "regulars" on the Opry. But he could only play about a dozen songs, and was dropped when he refused to learn new material. For many years afterward, through the '60s, he ran a shoeshine stand in Nashville.

The first real star of the Opry though, was Uncle Dave Macon.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 09 January 2000 at 11:37 AM.]</p></FONT>

Rich Paton · Post by **Rich Paton** » 10 Jan 2000 7:17 pm

1925, wow!
Twenty-six years later I was born.
Thanks everyone for the additional info.

Tommy Minniear · Post by **Tommy Minniear** » 10 Jan 2000 11:52 pm

I wonder how Pete Fisher would fair
on a quiz like this? Sorry, Mr.
Fisher you can come back and try the
test again in 6 months. Meanwhile,
get those restrooms cleaned!!!!!

John Steele (deceased) · Post by **John Steele (deceased)** » 13 Jan 2000 1:58 pm

I want to insult anyone's knowledge or sensibilities, but I'd imagine he'd do just fine on a quiz like that.
It's fairly common knowledge, something that even my generation (Y'know, the young whippersnappers who don't know anything and never will) would be aware of.
Incidentally, there are recordings available of Uncle Jimmy Thompson.
Claude "Fiddler" Williams cut a very interesting album of jazz standards with K.C. pianist Jay McShann called "Man From Muskogee" some time ago. It's worth looking up.
-John