Opry, is it me or my imagination?

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 16 Mar 2002 10:20 pm

Being a fan of the Opry I diligently watch every week and I am almost wondering why. It is twice as long as it used to be but half as interesting. It seems like every thing else, the steel man is almost an endangered commodity. The televised portion is becoming a venue for the hippie singers and frustrated rockers and if Tommy is there, he is cooling his heels backstage while the MTV execs are trying to remove the last bit of recognition of what we all grew up enjoying. The question is, am I the only one to see that or am I out of touch with time?

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 17 Mar 2002 2:52 am

Gary, you are not out of touch. This has been a topic here on the forum regularly and the words are the same each time.

My wife and I watched for a short time last night and as usual turned the channel to some B movie repeat. My feeling is that the live show ( the actual one at the Opry ) is probably pretty good. We are going to the Opry on April 20th and are thinking that it will be a fine show.

Dave Robbins, if you are reading could you contact me so that I can look you up when we come over to the Opry ?

TP

Dave Ristrim · Post by **Dave Ristrim** » 17 Mar 2002 7:09 am

Oh yes, the Opry is a changun! They are trying to get some "new blood" on the Opry. That means some changes, not all for the better. It is a profit driven venture more than anything else at this point. They need to sell tickets folks. And just like country radio, there is a giant vacuum between the listener and the corporation that dictates what music gets heard. I won't say it's all bad by a long shot, hell, I've played the Opry with a few "modern" acts myself. I guess the only thing to do is write and let our opinions be known.
The Opry is a cultural heritage to me. In fact, I don't see why the NEA doesn't step in and help support it in some way. Don't get me started on the NEA.
Dave

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 17 Mar 2002 10:49 am

From far out west here on the Left Coast....
as I see it, the Opry used to represent a vital part of American Music Culture. Folks used to have to wait 12-15 weeks to get their general admission tickets and then stand in lines that stretched clear around the block in all kinds of weather just to get inside the Ryman, so they could sweat profusely in the heat.
Except for an occasional "inspiring act" the TV Opry IMHO....."sucks"! It isn't worth my time. I've seen nights where there were many an empty seat. With the so called "new blood" groups they're shoving before the camera....one can't help but notice the audience, that for the most part just sit and stare with little or no real animation.
HOWEVER when they televised the Blue Grass Feature last week...... there wasn't an empty seat in the house and not only did the crowd clap enthusiastically, but on a number of occasions provided a standing ovation for the performing artists. These artists were TRUE PROFESSIONALS with pride in their product.
Since Gaylord appeared on the scene, it would appear that the many dedicated stars that gave Nashville it's one-time lustre, have been relegated to no record deals...and
behind the scenes activities. The money first, last and always seems to have impacted those very folks that made Nashville the hub of country music.
I'm dubious that letters will have any real meaningful affect on the current powers to be. I venture to say however, that staying away from the Opry will do far more to influence their money oriented views. If you don't like it; don't go there!
Some of the clowns that have appeared in recent weeks.....while attempting to emulate "greatness"......would not have been permitted the joy of carrying the instruments for the really great success stories. I loved c/w music for the musicians and vocalists......not bare belly buttons, metal in the face, and scruffy looking clothes and a generally bummy appearance.
Today, I'd rather visit Scotty's in St.Louis and the various regional steel guitar programs than to have to veiw the current flock of wanna-bes. Ahmen..

Nick Reed · Post by **Nick Reed** » 17 Mar 2002 11:17 am

I live here in the Nashville area and couldn't agree with you more. The Grand Ole Opry has gone to HXLL! Too much stuff that ain't Country Music and not enough of my friends Tommy White & Hoot Hester. If you want to know what Country Music really is, you should have been at the Midnight Jamboree last Saturday night when Johnny Bush & Buddy Emmons were playing.
I often tell my friends coming to Nashville for a visit that they'll here more real country music at one of my shows with our local band on Saturday nights, than paying for a high-priced opry ticket. It's no wonder why Don Helms is planning to come back next Saturday night, because he had such a good time this past saturday.
Honestly, I don't think I'd pay to see the Opry, but I might go if someone gave me a ticket for free. Nick

[This message was edited by Nick Reed on 17 March 2002 at 11:18 AM.]

Buck Grantham R.I.P. · Post by **Buck Grantham R.I.P.** » 17 Mar 2002 11:48 am

We were in town but we didn't go to the opry. We Did go to see Johnny Bush and Buddy Emmons for sure and had great fun.

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 17 Mar 2002 12:53 pm

Gary Walker= Good post. I have to agree with your thinking . I have been trying to watch CMT's Grand ol opry. But like you all said, it's all down the tubes. Last night I just turned it off. Too bad....al

Perry Hansen · Post by **Perry Hansen** » 17 Mar 2002 3:22 pm

Ray, you said it all. I agree 100 Percent.

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 17 Mar 2002 4:01 pm

They should call it the "Grand New POPRY" what a bunch of $hit they put on last night.

Bill Simmons · Post by **Bill Simmons** » 17 Mar 2002 4:06 pm

The Opry is certainly floundering around trying to find what it use to have!! I have a simple question...with Nashville known around the world for having many of the world's greatest musicians -- guitar players -- why don't they allow the band -- the 'Tommy Whites's etc' do an instrumental every week in place of one of those typical interviews by the blond girl??!!

I appreciate the 'new country', but maybe CMT needs to do a pure country show called "HERITAGE COUNTRY" featuring artists like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Connie Smith, Blue Grass Groups, Willie Nelson, Glaser Bros, Ronnie Milsap, Ray Price, the Oaks, Buck Owens, Barbara Mandrell etc, etc,! The majority of these folks probably are no longer on a major record label.

It's a shame that a Waylon Jennings has to die and then everyone is telling everyone else on TV etc how great of a ledgend he was. In my opinion, these are just a few of the great 'heritage county' artists and legends that would surprise the folks at Gaylord how much of a reponse they would get from these grat artists. Each one has a distinct creative style and sound. As talented as the new country artists are, too much of country music today sounds alike. You have to stop and figure out who is singing. When Jones or the Hag sing just one note, you immediatley know there is a great 'stylist'.

Oh yes, I've noticed the response of the crowd comes alive (standing ovations) when a super gospel group has had a guest shot on the Opry. Many of those gospel groups have birthed some great steel players over the years -- Jack Smith, Johnny Cox...

Well, I know need to go and cool down and take my blood pressure! HA.

Leigh Howell · Post by **Leigh Howell** » 17 Mar 2002 4:23 pm

I agree that the televised portion of the Opry is going downhill fast! It's more like the Star Search program that Charlie Daniels hosted for awhile! Some of the show was OK Sat night, but not enough to offset the other crap they had on!!

Leigh

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 17 Mar 2002 4:57 pm

Gary, you are correct. My feelings are the same as everyone elses here. Ricky Van Shelton and George Jones can sing most of the new acts under the table. The bubble head blonde doing the jabbering between sets
is just annoying. Rascal Flats and the like are NOT COUNTRY! Belly buttons and fuzz guitars. Where are the fiddles, steel guitars, and mandolins? Everything has got a rock beat to it. Organized protest is in the wind. Thank God for the Bluegrassers.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 17 Mar 2002 5:42 pm

No sense complainin'...the Opry that many of us knew is gone. There's crappy new acts, and there's crappy old acts too. Yes, some of the older stars don't know when to quit. As a result, we are left with is an unappealing dichotomy. They're featuring too much new stuff to hold the old crowd, and they've got just enough old stuff and authentic country left to run most of the younger crowd off. I think that in trying to aim for the "mass market" and be profitable, they're losing the uniqueness that made the Opry great. In my Daddy's words..."They've got a tough row to hoe".

I can't see big success for the TV Opry on the course they've chosen, but it's their money and their show. They can run it into the ground if they care too.

A legend of the small screen (a millionaire a hundred times over) was once asked..."What's the key to your success?"

His answer...

"I don't know the key to sucess, but I know the key to failure, and that is to try and please everybody".

And that's exactly what the TV Opry is doing now.

VERNON PRIDDY · Post by **VERNON PRIDDY** » 17 Mar 2002 5:50 pm

These Guys Dont Even Dress Like Country Singers Any Moure.I Can't Stand It. And I Didn't See A Steel guitar On The TV Part Last Night. I'm Just An Old Timer . But I Know Real Country Music And Thats All I Will Play. SONNY. SHO-BUD And ZUM.

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 17 Mar 2002 10:44 pm

I've just read over the great posts! This then jolted me awake and formed what I believe might be a GREAT IDEA and PLAN. This was not my original idea as one of the others actually contributed the idea.
When I was active in the Jerry Byrd Fan Club (1950-1972)....the prexy would post a project of the month. Each member was asked to mail a post card, requesting JB's latest record release, and 1/2 dozen or so, DJ's were listed.
The person who reported the greatest number of requests mailed out, would win a prize. Now.....with some 3,000+ members here on the Forum......FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, no less, I think we could actually generate some real "INTEREST" if handled properly.
The secret would be NOT TO MENTION that we play steel guitar or are members of any specific group....(the Forum).
We could each comment on a common theme in our letters and thus make a big impact on the "powers to be". If anyone sees any potential for this idea, let me know, and I'll be proud to contribute some specifics of my thinking. THANK YOU for your consideration.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 18 Mar 2002 4:19 pm

Ray, I know that some of the Opry staff musicians, as well as some of the "behind the scenes" crew read the FORUM regularly, so they'd know (or find out real fast) where the influx of mail was coming from.

Also, I feel the number of people who would take the time to do something like that would be far less than the number of FORUM members, and probably even less than the number of active participants. We'd probably be lucky to generate a hundred responses. Enough to make 'em notice, but probably not enough to elicit any change. (After all, nobody here on the FORUM knows anything about "modern country music"

)

Involvement requires effort, and most people are content to just sit and read.

Keith DeLong · Post by **Keith DeLong** » 18 Mar 2002 4:20 pm

Some things I HAVE enjoyed on the TV opry :
1.George Jones
2. Daryl Worley
3. Ralph Stanley
I yelled and screamed at CMT Canada to carry the Opry, so now that they've put it on I don't like to complain too much, even the watered down version is better than none at all. Traditional style country IS coming back, so maybe we just gotta hang in there and wait for the good stuff to come back. If
I can hear Tommy White play 4 bars it's worthwhile for me to tune in.

Jimmie Misenheimer · Post by **Jimmie Misenheimer** » 18 Mar 2002 6:54 pm

Really though, I'd hate to have "Pete What's-his-names" job. I'm not trying to be a "wiseguy", I can't think of his last name. I guess that he's still the "Opry" manager. I had a job, back in '96-2000 backing up "classic" Opry stars. MAN!! You talk about some stories BACKSTAGE!!! Best gig I ever had, and frankly, the worst people, (NOT THE OPRY PEOPLE - - THE PEOPLE THAT OWNED/RAN THE PLACE) that I ever worked for. I remember talking to an "Opry LEGEND" one night that told me,"I'm gettin' pretty worried about our "Opry". While I certainly knew what this person was talking about, I asked why? The answer: "We've had three managers in four years, and not-a-one of 'em would know who Roy Acuff was if he walked up 'n' hit 'em in the a$$ with a shovel!!" They're trying to please us, and build new fans at the same time. By the way, I've just been to the NEW Opry House once - - I stood it for about half as long as my ticket was good for. Left early and got a good seat for the "Record Shop - always liked Justin!!! Ain't goin' back... 32/ A SHRINER Jimmie

Loren Nelson · Post by **Loren Nelson** » 19 Mar 2002 10:07 pm

B Cole, I'd believe it if I were you. I'd get a spell checker too! Loren

Tom Olson · Post by **Tom Olson** » 19 Mar 2002 10:16 pm

Nothing remains constant except for death and taxes -- or something like that.

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 20 Mar 2002 7:26 am

Moved from 'Steel Players' to 'Music', as this is a more general topic.

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Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 20 Mar 2002 8:21 am

I'm an old Phart (62 yrs) but I do like Rascal Flatts and some of the new groups as well as the old ones. I just wish the Opry would take a lesson from Austin City Limits and just do the music like the TNN version did! As I stated on another post a while back, one thing that really bugs me about the whole thing is the lack of recognition for the staff band. Occasionally you'll hear someone asking for a hand for the Carol Lee Singers but what about the journeymen players in the staff band? I noticed in the closing credits that the people who mop the floors, serve the backstage food, and whatever else get their names listed but not the musicians. If we didn't know the guys we'd never know who was playing. What would it take for them to list Tommy White on Steel, Jimmy Capps & Spider Wilson on guitar, etc.??? On ACL they list everyone even if they just beat a tamborine. On a lot of the old TNN shows they even listed the band members. I think this needs to be addressed but I don't know who to send the complaint to. What do you think?

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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney tuning.