Grand Ole Opry star, Little Jimmy Dickens, turned 91 yesterday. The bedazzled icon celebrated with a Mr. Potato Head cake.
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Grand Ole Opry star, Little Jimmy Dickens, turned 91 yesterday. The bedazzled icon celebrated with a Mr. Potato Head cake.
Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com
Rascal Flatts was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family this evening by Opry member Little Jimmy Dickens. Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney also helped celebrate the Opry’s 86th birthday during the Opry’s Birthday Bash celebration which aired live on GAC: Great American Country.
Prior to taking the stage, LeVox said, “it is so humbling to carry the Opry flag. There’s no higher pinnacle.”
DeMarcus added, “one of the titles we’re most proud of is member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Rooney, meanwhile, said he began to reflect on Opry membership after a conversation with his dad earlier in the day. “I remember when I was growing up, I would watch the Grand Ole Opry on TV. He remembers when he was growing up listening to it on the radio. Now here we are in the year 2011 watching and listening online. … We are humbled by this and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us and the Grand Ole Opry. … Tonight is a great platform from which to set sail.”
The group was surprised by a congratulatory video message from President George W. Bush. “We are big fans of Gary, Jay, and Joe Don,” he said, speaking on behalf of himself and former first lady Laura Bush. “We love their music, and we also love their compassion and generosity. Throughout their success, Rascal Flatts have given back to their community and to our country by supporting the Make A Wish Foundation, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross. I am especially proud of their efforts to honor the men and women of our armed forces, and the heroes who are wounded on the front lines. So thanks for your example of excellence and patriotism. And congratulations as well as a hardy welcome to the Opry.”
“You have witnessed the greatest night of our lives,” LeVox said to the crowd after Dickens had presented the group members with their Opry member awards.
The Opry’s 86th celebration is set to continue through October with performances by Alabama, The Charlie Daniels Band, Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Ray Price, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and more. The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year and on Tuesdays through Dec. 13. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com.
To see more pictures of the Rascal Flatts Grand Ole Opry Induction last night click the Read More link:
Vince Gill celebrated 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry August 13th. The show was sold out as anxious fans poured into the Opry house to see Vince and friends celebrate this special occasion. The man of the hour, Vince Gill opened the show in true Vince fashion. Billy Grammar a fellow Opry member had passed away, so Vince chose to open with “Gotta Travel On”, in tribute to his friend.
Many memorable “Opry Moments” followed as the night went on. A wonderful video montage of Vince’s Opry career was shown. Artists such as Little Jimmy Dickens, Martina McBride, Jon Anderson, Emmylou Harris, Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press, Bill Anderson, The Whites, Jean Shepard, and The Time Jumpers all showed up to sing, and honor their friend. Vince joked at one point saying he saw Little Jimmy Dickens backstage and Little Jimmy said, “ 20 years is great kid, but I have done that 3 times!” Vince also played and sang with Emmylou Harris as well as with the Time Jumpers. The most touching part of the evening was the last half hour when 2 musical guests close to Vince’s heart took the stage.
His daughter Jenny Gill came out and did a show-stopping rendition of “If You Ever Have Forever in Mind”. Vince sat back and watched grinning from ear to ear as his talented daughter sang his song. Afterward he said the best part of that was just getting to sit back and be her dad. Next Vince got to introduce the lady he calls the kindest soul to ever walk the earth, Mrs. Amy Grant. She came out and she sang a beautiful song she had written for Vince called, “True Love”.
The evening ended with Vince center stage. He was so humble as he thanked everyone for coming and told the crowd how much the Grand Ole Opry means to him. He spoke from his heart as he said he treasures all the friendships that have been made backstage and in the hallways. It was a truly memorable evening. Vince closed the show by saying “In the Immortal words of Mr. Roy Acuff….You better sing the one that brung ya” Vince Gill honored those words from Mr. Acuff and sang “When I Call Your Name.”
August 29th, marks the release of the single “Threaten Me With Heaven” by Vince Gill. This is the first new music we have heard from Vince since his grammy winning 4 disc CD set “These Days” in 2006. “Threaten Me With Heaven” is the first single off his CD “Guitar Slinger” set for release October 24th.
~Krissie Humphrey
The lineup for the Grand Ole Opry was FANTASTIC last night. From start to finish it was an exceptional show. Little Jimmy Dickens started the night off and got the crowd giggling with jokes that can only be told by Little Jimmy.
Also giving stellar performances last night were Brett Eldredge, Edens Edge, Heidi Newfield and Larry Gatlin.
The party got started when Trace Adkins took the stage for a 30 minute set that got fans out of their seats rockin along to “Ladies Love Country Boys”, “Just Fishin”and other songs from his new album “Proud to be Here.” I met a couple who drove from New York just to see Trace perform at the legendary Opry. Trace was nice enough to sign a cowboy hat for them before ending his set.
For those of you who think the Grand Ole Opry isn’t as fun as a high end tour stop for Rascal Flatts. You were proved WRONG last night. Rascal Flatts took the stage for the final half hour of the show and there wasn’t a person there who wasn’t out of their seats singing along to every word.
If you can’t make it to Nashville to visit the Grand Ole Opry in person don’t forget there are other ways to get the experience.
You can check out all of our photos from last nights performances on our Flickr page. CLICK HERE
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