childhood memory of Opry on PBS

Jason Powers · Post by **Jason Powers** » 17 Jul 2002 2:16 pm

I'm not sure if I just dreamed this is or what, but I seem to remember during one of PBS' pledge drives back when I was 7 or 8 years old, they showed the Grand Ole Opry on PBS. Does anyone else remember this? Or was it all in my imagination. I think Mr. Acuff was on the program. I would love to try and get a tape of this if it even exists. Can anyone help??? Thanks Jason

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 17 Jul 2002 2:33 pm

Hey Jason. I remember seeing occasional stuff on PBS in the 70s and 80s. I'm pretty sure I saw some old Oprys. Also Louisiana Hayride and The Porter Wagonner Show. Here in NYC it was an introduction to a whole world I didn't know existed.

Lem Smith · Post by **Lem Smith** » 17 Jul 2002 10:04 pm

Jason,
I remember seeing an Opry show on PBS several years ago. Seems like it ran the whole 6 hours. If memory serves me right, Marty Robbins closed out the show, and Mr. Acuff couldn't get him to quit...he just kept going, and going, kinda like the Energizer Bunny.

Lem

Jason Powers · Post by **Jason Powers** » 18 Jul 2002 5:03 am

Lem,
That's the show I remember. I wish I could find a tape of that show around somewhere, but I think it will be next to impossible. Jason

Jason Powers · Post by **Jason Powers** » 18 Jul 2002 5:34 am

Hey Lem,
With a little quick research, I was able to find out that the show was filmed on March 4, 1978 and was shown in its entirety as part of a pledge drive (fundraiser) now the hard part, finding a video tape of it. Jason

Jason Stillwell · Post by **Jason Stillwell** » 18 Jul 2002 7:41 am

I remember a b/w show during a PBS pledge drive, entitled "Classic Country". This was most likely an old Opry show, but I'm not certain. Grandpa Jones had his BIG mustache, and June Carter (possibly in her teens?) was also featured, as were Lonzo&Oscar, with Cousin Jody. This is all I can remember, as I was a tyke, myself. Any info, anyone?

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 18 Jul 2002 8:26 am

Jason... it was likely an episode of "Classic Country Stars of the Grand Ole Opry", gleaned from the Al Gannaway shows from the mid 50's.

Shot live ,two camera, technicolor film. Amazing stuff.

Lem Smith · Post by **Lem Smith** » 18 Jul 2002 8:48 am

Jason P.,
Thanks for the info on when it was on. I couldn't remember when, only that it was a long time back.

Let me know if you find a source to buy a video of it, I'd LOVE to have a copy of it too. Perhaps PBS has copies of the older shows for sale?

Take care,
Lem

Billy Johnson · Post by **Billy Johnson** » 18 Jul 2002 9:13 am

I remember Billy Linneman,the opry staff bass player, telling of him shaving his beard off in between shows and on the west coast they showed the second show live first, then aired the the first show taped.
It made it seem he had grown a full beard in a matter of minutes.

Vernon Hester · Post by **Vernon Hester** » 18 Jul 2002 1:12 pm

I was Operations Mgr of SCETV during this period and remember the show quite well and Marty did a wonderful show. I am sure PBS has copies and would proably sell you a cassette if they still own the rights.They have a web sight and you can order on line.
Vern

Lem Smith · Post by **Lem Smith** » 18 Jul 2002 1:48 pm

Vern,
I've looked at the PBS site and so far can't find anything about it on there. I sure hope they do have something and I've just not found it yet. A full six hours of the Opry would be a fantastic show to see!

Lem

Vernon Hester · Post by **Vernon Hester** » 19 Jul 2002 5:35 am

Lem
Call the 800# and talk to marketing,In the meantime I will check with my folk and see what the status is I know its in the SCETV network vault.(Was when I retired ).
Vern

Jason Powers · Post by **Jason Powers** » 19 Jul 2002 5:45 am

Thanks Vern,
Keep us posted!!! Jason

Butch Foster · Post by **Butch Foster** » 19 Jul 2002 10:32 am

The Opry shows of 45 years ago were great entertainment events! The Opry had real characters then- Oswald in his prime, Cousin Jody with his toothless grin, nose almost touching his lip( both those were great comedy and steel performers!) Lonzo & Oscar doing their numbers, Stringbean, the list goes on. What great entertainment!

Lem Smith · Post by **Lem Smith** » 19 Jul 2002 2:43 pm

Thanks Vern for the info!

Lem

Vernon Hester · Post by **Vernon Hester** » 21 Jul 2002 12:49 am

Our Folks no longer have the tape as the rights had expired.
Vern