Backstage at the 75th Birthday Celebration for the Grand Ole Opry, cast members reminisced about the world's longest running radio show. CountryCool gives you a backstage pass to hear what the stars had to say about their first Opry apperances, their inductions, and what the Opry means to them today. Pam Tillis: Daughter of the legendary Mel Tillis, country music runs deep in Pam's blood. As the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Pam has a lot to say about the commitment required to keep the high standards of the show alive. Loretta Lynn: Inducted in 1962, Miss Loretta has had a career that includes nearly 70 hit songs. She likes to bring the younger artists like Chely Wright and Montgomery Gentry to the Opry stage. Marty Stuart: As a child, he spent quality time with his dad listening to the Opry on the radio. A member since 1992, Marty first played took the stage at 13 in Ernest Tubb's band. His wife, Connie Smith was inducted in 1971. Travis Tritt: Like his friend Marty, Travis listened to the Opry with his dad, and dared to dream of someday being a part of the show. His induction in 1992 showcased the traditional side of his music, many people don't know he plays the banjo. Little Jimmy Dickens: The longest standing member of the Opry cast, Little Jimmy doesn't remember much from the first night he played the Opry, because he was so scared. 53 years later he still plays the show most every weekend.
Vince Gill: One of the most outspoken Opry members, Vince encourages his counterparts to play the show now, when their presence is needed, instead of waiting until their careers are over. Vince has been a member since 1991, and has been a frequent performer on the show this year while he's off the road. Garth Brooks: Garth feels that his duty is to take the Opry message to the people and let them know what the Opry is about and that his 1990 induction was the "honor of my career." He and bandmate Ty England first played the Opry during a benefit for Ernest Tubb's son. Jean Shepard: Jean was inducted on her birthday in 1955 as part of a disc jockey convention. Her 30 hits span three decades, and include "Tip of My Fingers," later recorded by Steve Wariner. Steve Wariner: Although a new generation of fans think of him as Garth's buddy, Steve has been making country music for decades. He was 17 when he first played the Opry at the Ryman Auditorium, playing bass in Dottie West's band. He later played with Bob Louman and Chet Atkins, before becoming a member in 1996. Lorrie Morgan: When she was inducted in 1984 she hadn't yet had a hit record, but the Opry blood runs through her veins. As the daughter of the legendary George Morgan, Lorrie says she was born and raised in a guitar case backstage. Jeannie Seely: Her mission was to convince the powers that be that a woman could emcee the Opry performances, and she succeeded. A member since 1967, Jeannie believes the different generations of country music can work together well on the Opry stage, as is evident by her date for the CMA Awards, Opry regular, Brad Paisley.
Written by Joyce Rizer
(Nashville, TN) With all the glitz and glamor of a Hollywood premiere, a celebration like none other was held Thursday night, right in the heart of Music City, U.S.A. The theme for the evening was "One Artist. One Decade. One Hundred Million Albums." That one artist, being honored as the greatest selling solo artist in the history of recorded music, needs only one name: Garth.
The evening began with red carpet arrivals to the Gaylord Entertainment Center, in downtown Nashville. Stars from all walks of life came through to pay their homage to their friend Garth. The guest list of over 2,000 people included professional baseball players, music industry colleagues, and all five of Garth's brothers. Not only was every cast member of the Grand Ole Opry invited, but every crew member, stage hand, and office worker as well. Many of today's contemporary artists were also in attendance from Joe Diffie to Wynonna, who recalled the days of a new singer named Garth opening for The Judds. Shannon was on the red carpet and talked to many of the stars about the big night, and their relationships with Garth. From buddies like Steve Wariner and Ty England to Opry greats like Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely, there was definite star power at the party. Take your place next to Shannon on the red carpet and watch the parade of stars go by!
Written by Joyce Rizer and Shannon McCombs
Copyright 2000 CountryCool.com
