Grand Ole Opry

In honor of her 20th Opry Anniversary, we reflect on 10 great Opry moments in Emmylou Harris history. Click here for tickets to join the celebration along with Emmylou, Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell, and more on Saturday, January 21!

1. On January 25, 1992, Emmylou Harris was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by none other than Mr. Roy Acuff.
2. Elvis Costello, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings took the Opry at the Ryman stage alongside Emmylou in February of 2006 to sing “Sin City” among other songs.
3. Old Crow Medicine Show accompanied Emmylou in one of her final performances of 2010 with “The Weight” on New Year’s Eve.
4. On New Years Day in 2011, Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller sang “If I Could Win Your Love” at one of her favorite places to play, the Ryman Auditorium.
5. Emmylou teams up with longtime friends and fellow Opry members The Whites to reprise live their recording of the country standard “Fair and Tender Ladies.”
6. Emmylou teams up on the Opry stage with another former band member, CMA award-winner Jon Randall.
7. Emmylou collaborates with two more of Nashville’s favorite female voices, Patty Griffin and Gillian Welch, on Emmylou’s contribution to the platinum-selling, Grammy and CMA-winning O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? soundtrack.
8. Emmylou introduced The Civil Wars to Opry fans for their Opry debut and joined them for a song.
9. Long-time friend and fellow Opry member Vince Gill recently celebrated his 20th Anniversary on the Opry and Emmylou was one of the artists there to honor him.
10. Emmylou danced alongside the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, as he was honored by the likes of Vince Gill, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, and more during an Opry 70th Anniversary CBS television special.

How is it possible that we made it to 2011 before posting such a list? Jackie Stammen, a former Opry staffer who now works in artist management, presents below her picks of  Country Music’s Top 10 Mullets of All Time.  Comb through her entries and see if you agree with her picks.  Let her know if she gave a favorite artist of yours the brush off by leaving a comment.

10. VINCE GILL – Vince Gill’s barely there mullet has just enough umph to secure him the tenth best mullet in country music.

9. TRACY LAWRENCE – Indeed, Time Marches On and thank goodness hairstyles march on as well! The fluffy locks of Tracy Lawrence slide in at No. 9 on the list.
8. JOE DIFFIE – Joe Diff-initely had some Texas-sized hair to go with his “Texas-Sized Heartache.” So big, in fact, that it garnered him the eighth best mullet in country music.

7. BLAKE SHELTON – Number 7, Blake Shelton, held on to those long, luscious locks for as long as he could before finally having a little “Goodbye Time” with them.

6. NEAL McCOY – A mullet with so much body – like Neal McCoy’s – makes it easy to “shake it to the left” and “shake it to the right” and then shake it on up to the sixth Best Mullet in Country Music.

5. TOBY KEITH – Toby Keith sang, “I Wanna Talk About Me” but all I wanna do is talk about his mullet! Post-mullet, Toby recorded, “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and to that I must answer, better than with the poof; however, that poof is country music’s 5^th best.

4. TRAVIS TRITT – Travis, I also smell a little T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Or should I say, I see a little T-R-O-U-B-L-E…

3. KEITH URBAN – It’s hard to believe that the third Best Mullet in Country Music belongs to Mr. Keith Urban, considering how finely manicured his coiffure is these days.

2. DIAMOND RIO – What’s better than one mullet? Six mullets…enough said!

1. BILLY RAY CYRUS – The No. 1 spot belongs to none other than the man who made the mullet famous. Not only did Billy Ray Cyrus give his female fans “Achy-Breaky Hearts,” but he also catapulted the mullet to an all new level. His particular style perfectly embodies the ever-popular saying about mullets, “business in the front, party in the back.”

Lauded as one of the best vocalists of our time, Opry favorite Mandy Barnett is set to reprise her role as the great Patsy Cline in “Always… Patsy Cline” at the Ryman Auditorium later this summer. Mandy has just released SWEET DREAMS, a new CD featuring some of the same Patsy classics fans have come to love as part of the live production. Read more about “Always… Patsy Cline” and SWEET DREAMS at Ryman.com. Mandy shares what she most loves about playing Patsy at the Ryman below.

1. Honoring Patsy’s Legacy
As we all know, Patsy Cline was one of the all-time greatest singers in country music or any genre, for that matter.  It truly is such an honor to portray her.  Her memory and her music are precious to so many people.  I’m reminded of that every time I don my “Patsy” costumes and wigs and take to the Ryman stage.  Through “Always…Patsy Cline,” I’ve met Patsy’s family – husband Charlie, children Julie and Randy, and Patsy’s grandchildren.  All of them have shared cherished memories and thoughts of Patsy with me.  They are special people, and in my portrayal of Patsy, I try my hardest to do my very best for them and for Patsy herself.

2. Singing on the Same Stage as Patsy
What’s not to love about singing on the same Ryman stage where Patsy herself performed the very same spectacular songs?  When I’m on that stage in “Always…Patsy Cline,” I often make eye contact with various audience members who catch my attention: wonderful artists like Bill Anderson, The Jordanaires, and Jan Howard – people who toured or recorded with Patsy, knew and loved her, and were friends with her — and then artists like Reba McEntire and Pam Tillis, among many others, who were influenced by Patsy.  It’s an incredible experience performing for people who actually knew Patsy, along with her adoring fans and artists whom Patsy inspired.

3. My Co-star Tere Myers
The first time I met Tere, we were in the restroom in a rehearsal hall.  She had just arrived from Houston and was wearing a bright sun dress and a big straw hat.  We hit it off immediately, standing over the sink for a good forty-five minutes just chatting away.  The friendship between Tere’s character (Louise) and my character (Patsy, of course) seems so strong and real on stage because Tere and I are actually great friends.  After each performance of “Always…Patsy Cline,” Tere and I meet audience members, and most of them comment on our terrific stage chemistry.  The chemistry is based on an appreciation of each other’s talents and our sharing of many laughs and great adventures over the years.  Tere as “Louise” is so hysterically funny; it’s often difficult to remain in character when I sometimes want to burst out laughing with the rest of the audience, especially when Tere picks a rambunctious dancing partner during the Esquire Ballroom scene.  Tere has been kissed, groped, pinched and nearly had her back thrown out in these dancing moments, and it’s hard not to totally fall apart laughing as I watch the comical scene unfold.

4. The Fantastic Wardrobe (and Wardrobe Malfunctions!)
I adore my “Always…Patsy Cline” costumes.  They are so fun and empowering to wear, taking me back to that extraordinary era during which Patsy made amazing music and delighted fans.  But becoming “Patsy” is no easy feat when I have to do quick costume and wig changes between scenes during each show performance!  I have a dresser who helps me make the fast transitions – from cowgirl get-up to sparkling red dress to little black dress, and more, along with an array of wig changes.  Most of the time, everything runs pretty smoothly, but I’ve certainly had an occasional costume malfunction, such as a zipper or piece of jewelry that breaks at an inconvenient time or a wig that feels like it’s sliding out of place while I’m singing.

One especially memorable wardrobe malfunction involved earrings that were basically on their last legs.  When the earrings finally broke, on a show night, I panicked, but my dresser was resourceful and prepared.  She grabbed my Lifesaver candies and a glue gun and proceeded to glue pearls in the middle of the candies, and then glued clips on the candies.  I went back out on stage with Lifesavers on my ears, over the course of several show nights, and no one knew any better.

5. The Audience
Simply stated, it is a total joy to look out from the Ryman stage and see audience members smiling back at me as I sing enduring classics dressed as a beloved icon.  Thank you, folks, for making “Always…Patsy Cline” an exceptional experience, night after night, for me!

Angie Reynolds is a long-time opry.com staffer and a life-long country music fan. Some of her all-time favorite tunes are ones you might not have heard much on the radio. “I realize that some of you out there may have heard one or two (or maybe even all of these),” Angie says, “but to me, these are little gems that deserve to be heard by everyone. I welcome your comments below. Feel free to share your favorite songs that never hit the radio airwaves that you think should have and tell me what you think about the ones I selected.”

10. “Away Down the River” – Alison Krauss

The voice of an angel essentially singing about joining the angels. Pure Heaven.

9. “I Did” – Trisha Yearwood

I love songs about laying your heart on the line … just like this one “did.”

8. “I Must Have Done Something Bad” – Merle Haggard and George Jones

I have to admit that I had no idea that George Jones had also recorded this song, so that was a fun discovery while making this list. It’s written by Red Lane – an amazing songwriter. Like several of the songs on my list, this is written simply (only 148 words) … they don’t often write them that way anymore, but they should.

7. “Thanksgiving Song” – Mary Chapin Carpenter

A co-worker (who also happens to be a huge MCC fan) convinced me I really needed to hear MCC’s Christmas album, which includes this song. As a lover of simple songs, this one really works for me. It also reads beautifully if you wanted to say it before your Thanksgiving meal.

6. “Little Brother” – Vince Gill

Maybe I’m a little partial to this because of the Opry mentions, but really I’m just partial to anything Vince Gill does.

5. “The Part I Don’t Understand” – Mark Nesler

This song really struck a chord with me when I heard it. Mainly due to what I was going through at the time. I went back to it recently because Jerrod Niemann’s new song, “What Do You Want,” (which I LOVE) reminds me of it in theme. I’m not in that same place in my life, but I can still feel the pain of someone trying to keep you on a string (especially when I hear one of these songs).

4. “Back When We Were Beautiful” – Matraca Berg

Matraca is probably best known for penning the coming-to-age song “Strawberry Wine” (Deanna Carter). I worked at the Country Music Association in 1997, the year “Strawberry Wine” was nominated (and won) for Song and Single of the Year. If I remember the story correctly, the director of the award show fell in love with this song on Matraca’s album and even though she was not known to the masses as an artist, he gave her a much-coveted slot on the show to sing it. Entertainment Weekly raved, “Matraca Berg nearly stole the CMA Awards with her performance of ‘Back When We Were Beautiful,’ part of this Eudora Welty-ish song cycle of life in the small-town South. A soulful, sensuous pastiche of human loneliness.”

3. “You Take Me For Granted” – Merle Haggard

I loved this song from the very first time I heard a friend play it for me. It was written by Leona Williams, an ex-wife of Merle’s, and I get the feeling she was trying to give him a hint. She also wrote “Someday When Things Are Good” that he recorded. If you ever see me driving down the highway singing my heart out, chances are it is one of these songs.

2. “If It’s Gonna Rain” – George Strait

This song was co-written by a friend of mine (and the person who first introduced me to #3 on my list). I remember the day he came by my house to play the demo and told me George was putting it “on hold” for his next album. It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to the song, but I listened to it again as I was creating this list, and it continues to move me just like it did that first day I heard it. I don’t know why this one wasn’t released as a single. I think it would have been a hit.

1. “We’ve Got A Good Fire Going” – Don Williams

This is actually one of my all-time favorite songs (from my all-time favorite country singer). Unfortunately for me, it is not on Don’s set list and for anyone who has ever been to several Don Williams’ concerts; you know that the set list rarely changes. But that hasn’t stopped me from yelling out this song title anytime there is a lull in the show! Maybe I’ll win the lottery one day, and I can offer him a stupid amount of money to play this song for me and my hubby. (To WSM listeners – I know they play this occasionally, so hopefully you’ve heard it. That’s what’s so great about the lunch time request hour!)

In addition to working as the Opry’s Music Director, Steve Gibson plays a mean guitar. His licks can be heard on music by some of Nashville’s all-time best, including George Strait, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Tammy Wynette. Steve says, “I’ve spent nearly my entire life playing the guitar, but I’ve always been mystified,  fascinated and thrilled by the steel guitar. I spend a lot of my free time trying to figure out what makes it tick.” Here are Steve’s all-time favorite steel guitar instrumentals.

1. Buddy Charleton “Almost to Tulsa”
2. Bud Isaacs “Bud’s Bounce”
3. Pete Drake “Forever”
4. Buddy Emmons “Hold It”
5. Bobby Garrett “Rose City Chimes”
6. Leon McAuliffe “Panhandle Rag”
7. Herb Remington “Remington Ride”
8. Lloyd Green “Skillet Lickin’”
9. Santo Farina (Santo and Johnny) “Sleep Walk”
10. Red Rhodes Theme to “Star Route”

The last time Grammy-winning group The Mavericks hit the Opry stage, the audience jumped to its feet for a standing ovation before the group could even finish “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” While the band has been on an extended hiatus, Robert has remained a vital part of the music business by doing everything from producing to writing to serving as the Music Industry Relations Consultant for DigitalRodeo.com. One of his current projects, and one that is near and dear to his heart, is Operation: Sound Off, an organization that he co-created to assist those who have served in our armed forces in fulfilling their musical dreams.

The next time you’re looking for somewhere to hang in Nashville, check out one of these places Robert has selected as his favorites.

7. Tin Roof

Located near Music Row, this is one of the most laid back places you can go to hang out, enjoy a beverage, chow down, and listen to some live music.

6. Noshville (Midtown)

They serve great food all the time, but for me, it’s the perfect place to have a breakfast meeting.

5. Red Door East

For the really hip Nashville hang, you have to hit the East side, and there is no better watering hole than the Red Door. Lots of cool music types too, just not so mainstream.

4. Fido

Fido received a lot of press lately with the whole “Jaylor” incident (yes, I hate myself for even using one of those silly name mash-ups), but I’ve been going long before Taylor Swift even wrote her first song. It’s not only a great place to hang out and grab a cup of joe; they also serve some of the best food in town. Between Fido and other Bongo Java locations, they can be credited for being the first to bring the coffee culture to Nashville.

3. Robert’s Western World

Tried and true … though Tootsie’s gets lots of the glory, Robert’s has a vibe all its own and lots of room for boot scootin’.

2. Taco Mamacita

It’s new in the Music Row neighborhood and very welcome. Hip Mexican served very fresh and many music biz personalities to go with it.

1. Edgehill Café

Some might say this is my home away from home since I spend so much time there, but it’s an awesome place to set up shop during the day (and it is really close to my office). I’ve had some great conversations with some of the biggest names in music and have seen many a celebrity enjoying the great food and coffee they serve.

TUNE TOWN TRIVIA, the Opry’s new trivia book, features 85 pages of country music facts, figures, puzzles, and games. The book’s author lists some of his favorite questions from the book below.

Click here to purchase TUNE TOWN TRIVIA online!

10. Who did Marty Stuart tell his mom he was going to marry after he first met her on July 24, 1970?

9.  The hit TV show HEE HAW emanated from what fictional “Kounty”?

8. Willie Nelson’s RED HEADED STRANGER album included a signature song with what other color in a six-word title, a cover of a Roy Acuff release?

7. Which Country Music Hall of Fame member was once pardoned by Ronald Reagan?

6. What type of vehicle did George Jones famously drive to a bar after his then-wife had hidden the car keys to prevent him from driving out for a drink?

5. Per her 1971 hit, Susan Raye was about to fly out of what city’s international airport?

4. Name the family band Martina McBride played in as a young girl. (Hint: her name was Martina Schiff at the time.)

3. In what state would you find the city of Sugarland, inspiration for hit-making duo Sugarland’s name?

2. How old was Taylor Swift when she was named CMA Entertainer of the Year, the youngest person ever to win the award?

1, A vintage commercial for what product inspired the Mary Chapin Carpenter hit He Thinks He’ll Keep Her?

Look below for the answers!

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Want to relive CMA Music Fest?  Now you can!  On September 1, “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” airs from 8:00 – 11:00 PM/ET on the ABC Television Network.  Tim McGraw will serve as a host for the annual celebration of America’s Music.  The special features performances by Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Justin Moore, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band.

Until then, Dawn Fisher, CMA Communications Coordinator, has compiled a list of our top ten 2010 CMA Music Festival pictures for you to enjoy until the special airs.

10. Riders in the Sky perform in the Durango Acoustic Corner – Opry members, Riders in the Sky, brought a little bit of the West into the Durango Acoustic Corner in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall. 2010 was the first year that the Durango Acoustic Corner was simultaneously broadcast live on 650 WSM, the Opry’s radio home.

9. Rodney Atkins gives the “CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” two-thumbs up – Rodney greeted the 14,000 fans lining Broadway as the “CMA Music Festival Kick Off Parade” marked the Festival’s opening. Following the parade, fans were treated by performances from David Nail, Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, and Chuck Wicks.

8. Fan Fair Exhibit Hall Opening – CMA staffers affectionately refer to this tradition as “The Running of the Bulls.” Fans will line up outside of the Nashville Convention Center- sometimes for days- for the chance to meet their favorite artists in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall, and when we open the doors, the mad scramble begins. It’s amazing to watch all of these devoted fans pouring into the Exhibit Hall for a chance to meet their favorite artists, but its best if you stay out of their way.

7. “Ultimate K-9’s In Flight” at the Family Zone – CMA Music Festival offers tons of free activities for families in our Family, Fun, Music City, and Sports Zones.  The “Ultimate K-9’s in Flight” show took up residence in the Family Zone during the 2010 CMA Music Festival, and this is great shot of this little dog going the distance for his toy.

6. Craig Morgan’s Great View – While performing at the Riverfront Park Daytime Stages, Opry member, Craig Morgan, scaled the stage scaffolding to get a better look at the crowd. The Riverfront Park Daytime stages are free and open to the public, and in 2010, included performances from 45 different artists.

5. A Hug From Taylor Swift – During the 2010 CMA Music festival, Taylor Swift hosted a 15-hour meet and greet with her fans. Held in the Bridgestone Arena, Swift signed autographs and took pictures with fans after giving them an intimate performance of their favorite Swift songs. Taylor also brought along set pieces from her Fearless tour for fans to check out up-close. Taylor’s event is the epitome of CMA Fest’s roots – to bring artists and fans together.

4. Now, This is What I Call a Sing-Along – Brad Paisley wrapped up the CMA Music Festival with his performance on the LP Field stage. During his final song, “Alcohol,” Brad enlisted the help of a few friends: Justin Moore, Darius Rucker, and Chuck Wicks. Other memorable collaborations during the event include Jason Aldean joining Opry member Carrie Underwood during Guns N’ Roses’ classic, Paradise City,” and our next photo.

3. Awwwww – When Blake Shelton was asked where his fiancée, Miranda Lambert, would be during his CMA Fest performance, Shelton told interviewers that she was miles away performing at another festival. When Shelton took the stage to perform their duet, “Home,” Lambert surprised him onstage to sing her part. Both stars looked very happy to see each other – and very much in love.

2. I Like It, I Love It – After a ten year absence from the CMA Music festival, Tim McGraw made his triumphant return to the Festival and even paid a visit to the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall. Fans flocked to see the superstar while Tim took a moment to take it all in.

1. Nashville Rising – Considering Nashville suffered devastating floods less than six weeks before the CMA Music Festival, this photo captures Country Music’s most loyal fans helping a city get back on its feet.

One of the most successful groups ever in country music, the Oak Ridge Boys are crowd pleasers every time they visit the Opry and on stages across America. The group tours tirelessly, and can be seen from coast to coast this summer. The group will return to Gaylord Opryland Resort for an Oaks Rally in January 2011. Below group member Joe Bonsall shares his LIST of the Top Ten Questions Asked of the Oak Ridge Boys:

10… So is THAT y’all’s BUS?

9… Do your families ever travel with you?

8… Do you all actually SLEEP on that bus?

7… How many days of the year do you travel?

6… Where did y’all come IN from?

5… Where y’all going from here?

4…  How long y’all been together?

3… Do y’all live in OAK RIDGE?

2… Is there REALLY an ELVIRA?

1… If the Big Bang Theory is true, and all matter was condensed into one extremely small and dense area, then what was outside of the area where all matter existed?