At 72, Ray Wylie Hubbard Makes His Grand Ole Opry Debut
There are few moments that are more significant in the lives and careers of country and roots musicians than making their debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Often it’s artists in their 20s and 30s who are the ones who get that special opportunity, but at 72, and 50-something years deep into the music business, Ray Wylie Hubbard finally got his turn in the Opry circle Wednesday night, July 17th, 2019. It was courtesy of Pam Tillis.
“I want to get this next guest intro right because it’s so important to me,” Pam Tillis said after playing her own set on the famous radio show and stage. “This gentleman I’m about to introduce you to has fans as diverse as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Patty Griffin, Ringo Starr, Steve Earle, Lee Ann Womack … so many people know about this man and look up to him as the very epitome of a true artist, a true writer. He has influenced a generation of Texas musicians and songwriters. 55 years making music. Made is debut on David Letterman, and I said, ‘You know, Ray Wylie Hubbard, it is time that you played the Grand Ole Opry.”
Pam Tillis mentioned that Ray Wylie has been working on putting out his 17th record that’s a collaboration with many artists, including Pam herself. The two met in the Nashville airport, and have been writing songs together. “He’s always been an influencer to me,” Tillis said.
“Thank you. Thank you Pam for the nice introduction. I can hardly wait to hear me,” Ray Wylie responded in his signature folksy manner, stepping into the hallowed circle and plucking at the first few notes of his signature song, “Snake Farm.” Joining Ray on the stage was Larkin Poe, and his son Lucas Hubbard among others.
“This is obviously the first time a number of you have appeared before me. I would imagine after that first song, you’re a little nervous,” Hubbard said after “Snake Farm,” and then played “Loose” from his 2010 record A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment. As always, Ray’s stage banter was just as entertaining as his songs. Hubbard finished up with his song “The Messenger.”
More info on the upcoming Ray Wylie Hubbard collaborative album when it comes available.
July 17, 2019 @ 8:11 pm
Fuck yeah! Now we just need the ACL folks to get their heads out of their asses and give the Wylie Llama his shamefully-overdue ACL episode!
July 17, 2019 @ 10:53 pm
How embarrassing for Austin City Limits that The Grand Ole Opry has now had Ray Wylie Hubbard, but they haven’t. At this point, ACL is purposely avoiding him.
July 18, 2019 @ 4:01 am
I had no idea Rays not been on ACL. How is that even possible!? (Rhetorical question)
Seriously, though…the man is a living breathing poster guy for outlaw country and the Austin music scene. Surprised Ray Benson or Willie haven’t campaigned to get him on.
Now I’m wondering, was Jerry Jeff Walker ever on ACL?
July 18, 2019 @ 6:55 am
Yes, Jerry Jeff did ACL years ago.
July 20, 2019 @ 12:49 pm
For years, ACL’s opening theme was “London Homesick Blues”, performed by JJW’s band, The Lost Gonzo Band.
July 18, 2019 @ 12:29 pm
Yeah that ain’t happening. Ray pissed ________ off a long time ago and there’s evidently know forgiveness floating around the new studio, just more performers that couldn’t get on at the list at the Cuckoo’s Nest on Amateur night
July 19, 2019 @ 8:52 am
Really? I wasn’t aware of that. Is there something that you know that we don’t?
July 17, 2019 @ 8:50 pm
the guitar tone that Ray & his son maintained during the LIVE stream was fantastic! I bet Phillip Sweet of LBT was standing side-stage watching! ?? @trainwreckradionow
July 17, 2019 @ 8:54 pm
This news made me smile tonight. Love me some Ray Wylie Hubbard…Hubbard.
July 17, 2019 @ 9:01 pm
Snake Farm—it just sounds nasty.
July 17, 2019 @ 11:21 pm
Pretty much is.
July 18, 2019 @ 4:03 am
Snake Farm, it’s a reptile house…
July 18, 2019 @ 6:01 am
Ramona’s got a keen sense of humor
She got a tattoo down her arm
It’s of a python eatin’ a little mouse
Wearin’ a sailor hat that says “Snake Farm”
Snake farm, it just sounds nasty…
July 18, 2019 @ 3:37 pm
Snake Farm uhhuhuh!!!
July 17, 2019 @ 11:03 pm
I love ray wylie hubbard. listen to him for hours on end and it seems like I always hear something new even in the same songs. bones. Lucifer and the fallen Angel’s, house of the white rose bouquet..all of these are so unique. I dont know how to convey how important I think this guy is to music.
July 18, 2019 @ 1:08 am
Been listening to him and going to see him since high school. Love me some Ray Wylie! Family sticks together !
July 18, 2019 @ 3:39 am
missed opportunity to again popularize Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother.
July 18, 2019 @ 3:42 am
“She said whenever she heres Polk Salad Annie she starts to feel like warm butter inside…..”
– Mother Blues
Lol, probably my favorite lyric ever! Good for him!
July 18, 2019 @ 11:46 am
I always chuckle at this part of the song
July 18, 2019 @ 5:18 am
I was there last night and it was a truly amazing show- Tyler Childers and Aaron Lewis played as well. RWH looked like he truly was thrilled to be up there and Larkin Poe’s work on lap steel and strings was out of this world. Pam Tillis came out and sang harmony on “The Messenger.”
July 18, 2019 @ 9:09 am
No fair Ken Morton! Would have been a great night to be there as opposed to listening on an app.
July 18, 2019 @ 7:52 am
That was so badass. Who else could open their Grand Ole Opry debut with a song like Snake Farm, and then make the audience sing along?
Thanks, Trigger. SCM introduced me to RWH a couple years ago, and I’ve gone all the way back through his entire catalogue. It’s a treasure trove of raw coolness and songwriting gold.
July 18, 2019 @ 10:10 am
My winter goal this year is to travel to Texas to see Hubbard in concert (since he never tours up here). I saw him once at Willie’s 4th of July picnic in 2016 and was blown away. I streamed the 4th of July picnic this year and thought he was hands down the best thing I heard (well, Willie didn’t hit the stage until 1 am eastern time and I was asleep).
July 18, 2019 @ 11:53 am
I hope you make it! I live in TX part of the year, and Ray’s Texas shows vs. other shows are night and day difference––crowd, venues, and even Ray himself, it seems.
July 18, 2019 @ 4:17 pm
I Live in San Antonio, about halfway between Floore’s and Greune Hall. Either of those places, and he’s practically playing in his backyard. Last time at Floore’s, it was winter, and he played inside. The more intimate the setting, the rawer and purer the sound.
July 19, 2019 @ 8:56 am
He’s at Floore’s again tomorrow 7/20!
July 18, 2019 @ 11:09 am
I missed this. Didnt know about it until the next day. Will it be aired again and when?
July 18, 2019 @ 11:49 am
WSM always puts the audio up on their website archive a few days after the show. Here’s the link (If it posts): https://wsmonline.com/archives/grand-ole-opry/
There are probably some videos on youtube, but I doubt any of them are legit.
July 18, 2019 @ 6:06 pm
Just search YouTube ray Wylie hubbard at opryland
July 18, 2019 @ 6:12 pm
No way he would have played “Screw You, We’re From Texas” on the Opry stage but for any of you that are just getting into his music check out this song – it’s one of my favorites! He plays it a lot down here to the crowd’s enjoyment.
July 19, 2019 @ 4:59 am
I have had the pleasure of seeing RWH perform live many times, in Red River and Taos, New Mexico, and at the Tower Theater in Oklahoma City, where he usually does two shows a year. Whether it’s just him and his drummer or with the full band, you never fail to hear a great show and get something new out of it, hear a lyric you haven’t noticed before or something else that pops out at you, no matter how many times you’ve heard the songs before. He is a gem and a real musical treasure, and just the nicest guy to chat with for a bit.
July 19, 2019 @ 11:30 am
RWH isn’t scared at throwing shade at the Trashville music scene. Let’s not hold our breath for an ACL appearance.
July 19, 2019 @ 3:38 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
That’s it, I’m a man of few words
July 23, 2019 @ 6:07 am
Hey hey! Cool for him, and for the Opry.
I was just quoting him on here in the last few weeks.
August 26, 2022 @ 9:03 am
Opry-1 ACL-0
Ray is underappreciated and underestimated and underplayed by everyone except his peers,which there are few