Blake Shelton = Deadbeat, Carrie Underwood = Hero at 2019 Opry
As tax season approaches and we get the opportunity to tie a bow around the doings of 2019, it’s always interesting to look back on the year at the Grand Ole Opry to see which performing members are paying their proper dues to country music’s most historic institution, and which one’s aren’t.
Once again in 2019—as we have seen many times over the years—leading the list of deadbeat members from the mainstream of country is Blake Shelton, who couldn’t pull himself away to make even one appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in 2019. Historically speaking, active members in the modern era have been asked to make roughly 10 performances a year to keep up with their Opry obligations, though more recently the number is thought to be closer to 5, with appearances on important dates or over weekends being weighted heavier. But either way, Blake Shelton came in way short in 2019.
In past eras, Grand Ole Opry members were expected to make many more appearances to remain active members—upwards of 30 or 40, and were removed if they couldn’t fulfill those obligations.
Possibly the most famous Opry member for side stepping his Opry responsibilities, Blake Shelton did make two appearances in 2018, but ever since his induction in 2010, he’s been the performer getting away with not paying his Opry dues the most. The year he was officially inducted, he didn’t make any appearances after his induction. He didn’t make any appearances in 2012. The most appearances Blake Shelton has made in any year since becoming a member is three. In 2016, Opry member Lorrie Morgan called Blake Shelton out for shirking his responsibilities.
“They send out a letter that says you know, ‘We are kind of demanding that you must be here so many times a year to continue your membership.’ Because it’s just not fair,” Lorrie Morgan explained. “People want to say, ‘Hey I’m a member of the Opry,’ and not want to come back. The Opry takes dedication and it takes love. It takes love.”
So who from the mainstream did show love to the Opry in 2019? Of the biggest names in the mainstream, once again nobody showed more love than Carrie Underwood, who appeared on the Opry stage 11 times, proving that even when you’re managing a big mainstream career, touring, releasing music, and raising a family, you can still find time for the Opry. Underwood also made 10 appearances in 2018, and remains the biggest mainstream name to regularly uphold her Opry obligations year after year.
Also of note from mainstream performers who actually did pay their proper dues are recently-minted members Chris Janson, who appeared 20 times on the stage, and Dustin Lynch who appeared 11 times. Kelsea Ballerini, who was a controversial pick for a new member earlier in 2019, did make 8 appearances, and Luke Combs, who was asked in June of 2019 to join, made three appearances.
These numbers are tabulated by country music historian Bryron Fay of the Fayfare’s Opry Blog who keeps up with all the performances over the entire year, and gives us insight into who is showing their proper respect to the Opry as a member, and who is not.
Most of the other members who did not make appearances are names from the past that did keep up with their Opry obligations earlier in their career, paying their dues for decades, and many are suffering from ailments or are mostly retired. Performers like Tom T Hall, Stonewall Jackson, Hal Ketchum, Loretta Lynn, and Barbara Mandrell did not appear in 2019. Alan Jackson was dealing with health ailments periodically in 2019, and was also a no show. Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, and Ronnie Milsap are also active members who did not appear in 2019.
The Grand Ole Opry feels like it is moving into a new era in 2020 with its re-emergence on television, and a newly appointed executive producer in Dan Rogers who rather quickly fixed the wrong of not inducting Gene Watson and Rhonda Vincent as proper members. But if induction into the institution is going to continue to mean something, it must continue to mean enough to its members to show up. Otherwise, perhaps their membership should be given to someone else who will.
March 1, 2020 @ 12:07 pm
The question is why they choose Shelton for Ole red partnership?
March 1, 2020 @ 1:28 pm
The answer = $$$
Blake Shelton is a brand. The Grand Ole Opry is a brand. It makes for a great brand partnership.
I get it. Blake is a busy dude. But show up, or relinquish your spot to someone who will.
December 12, 2020 @ 4:26 pm
Blake to me is a fake. Ever since he got with gwen he drinks more. He is a big drunk. I used love his songs.not no more it’s gone to his head moving to Hollywood born in country side he seems to forget
Either she live there or she be gone. She ought be glad to live there.give me a farm any day.
March 1, 2020 @ 7:50 pm
Do you people really read this crap?
March 2, 2020 @ 5:57 am
I’m not sure who you are referring to when you say “you people”, but as a country music fan and a lover of The Grand Ole Opry myself, ????????????????????????HELL YEAH!! I do read this “kind of crap”. Btw, apparently so do YOU!! ????????????
March 2, 2020 @ 10:37 am
I do too!!! Thanks for saying what I wanted to say yet hadn’t gotten to! Lol. God bless!
March 3, 2020 @ 11:18 am
Old farts??? You mean legends and sum are legends in the making..carrie underwood os a real clases act! She attends up to 10-12 times a year and while being a mother a wife and touring cuttin récords and hosting the cma’s and she still makes it…
December 12, 2020 @ 4:27 pm
I read about my country stars singers every chance I get. I love them all.
March 2, 2020 @ 10:07 am
Obviously you are not a country music fan or you would know that Opry is an institution, a staple of prestige for any singer lucky enough to even be invited to join its membership. Not all big stars are ever invited, so when one like Blake Shelton will not show to perform or even care to show up, it’s big news in country music and his membership needs to be revoked.Yeah, we do read it and it’s not “crap”
March 2, 2020 @ 11:56 am
Apparently you do!????
March 2, 2020 @ 1:22 pm
I guess you did or you wouldn’t have left a reply.
March 3, 2020 @ 12:12 am
I justness want to say some of the older artist like Loretta, have paid their dues and shouldn’t be expected to show up. Although it would be great to see her.
March 4, 2020 @ 7:43 am
Yep, I just read that whole article, and most of the ones before. Great website for true country fans. If you don’t like this site that’s ok, just don’t read it. Just scroll back through the comments on the the articles, seems to me quite a few people are reading to answer your question directly.
March 29, 2020 @ 11:08 am
Thanks for the info: It IS an Honor to be a member! Hopefully, the lax members will pay and prayers for those not feeling up to par (Golf anyone? ????)… And, many THANKS with lots of God Bless everybody! Also, am eternally Grateful for all the GREAT COUNTRY MUSIC????
(Now, we luv ya lots so continue showing lots of love to the beloved Grand Ole Opry????????????????????)
Deb Hunter
PS Where is Jimmy Buffet when clearly we could use some Tequila and a song during this Virus: I feel a tune soon coming so thanxs mr. B????
March 2, 2020 @ 6:29 am
They are asking way too much. Yes its a big thing but 10 times a year jeez
March 2, 2020 @ 2:31 pm
10 nights a year? Out of 365? Doesn’t seem like a lot, especially when so many of the people live in the general area and record in the general area.
March 2, 2020 @ 9:10 am
I think Blake Shelton is a huge supporter of Country Music through The Voice. He has won several times with country artists to the point where other coaches are trying to get country artists on their team, as well, whereas they previously just left them to Blake. But no more. Last season, another coach won the season with a country artist. We all can’t and shouldn’t expect to be all & do all. We all can’t expect ourselves, nor country stars, to run ourselves/themselves ragged. Blake has been doing an awesome job supporting country music through The Voice, newish relationship (love Blake & Gwen), new music, etc. Give the guy a break. He is a great guy, although very busy & will contribute when he can, and will be there for others, when really needed. Be positive & thankful – not critical!
March 2, 2020 @ 10:15 am
First Stan comment? Yay!
March 2, 2020 @ 10:34 am
Nope, I didn’t read far enough. Nothing gets folks riled up like a good Blake article.
March 3, 2020 @ 9:33 am
And other artists aren’t busy? How lame
March 3, 2020 @ 11:02 am
Excuse me but did i really just read you say that they shud cut him sum slack kuz of the voice and his new newish relationship with gwen keeps him busy??? Umm he was madera a remember 2010 since then he has atender 3 times!!!!! When your expected to give them 10 visits a year!!! Hell you sayin?? While he is off during the off time season of voice there is ample time for him to go play there he accepted the induction but doesent pay his dues!!! Thats foul he is washed up and quite ohnestly he is a poser!!! He used country músic for financial gain..And its getting close to time that voice cute his old fat ass!! Push away frum the dinner table Blake and try to save your fuckin career hoss!!
..
March 1, 2020 @ 12:08 pm
AJAX did make an appearance earlier this year on Friday, January 17, with a full set broadcast over WSM from the Ryman~ hopefully his health holds up and he’ll return to regularity…
March 1, 2020 @ 12:19 pm
Trig…been wanting to ask you this for awhile. I listen almost weekly on SiriusXM on Friday and Saturday/Sunday nights. Friday is a rerun of the Tuesday show, Saturday is live and replayed Sunday. Just listening to those nights I would assume none of these artists ever show up. It’s always a mix of Jeannie Seely, John Conley, Bill Anderson, The Whites, Connie Smith, and then a bunch of others I’ve usually never heard of. I get that Tuesday night might not be a big night but always interesting that Saturday isn’t a night of bigger named talent. And when do these other artists show up? Is part of the problem that these artists don’t want to compete with their tours be doing “freebies” at the Opry? Would love your insights…thx
March 1, 2020 @ 12:34 pm
Tuesday is usually a bigger show because they are not touring on a tuesday
March 1, 2020 @ 1:31 pm
Bingo.
If you look at the touring schedules of most bigger artists, even at the club level, it’s usually Thur-Sun. Mon-Wed it is tough to get people to turn out. On Tuesday many artists are at home in Nashville anyway.
March 1, 2020 @ 2:27 pm
LOL…….I was pre show/post soundcheck drinkin with The Moonpies last year before their Monday show here in Berwyn and this topic came up and I said “I’m pretty sure this the first Monday night show I have EVER been to in my 45 years of going to shows” and they looked perplexed and laughed and said “we play Monday night shows all the time”. Yes, there are some hard workin road dogs that will take those gigs because they’re on their way to Wed-Thurs gigs etc…. Whitey took a Wednesday night gig and a little bar in Joliet on his way to play Tailgates and Tallboys fest 2 years ago with Cody. It’s smart business much of the time and costs little.
March 1, 2020 @ 3:44 pm
Chicago always hogs up the weekend dates. Living in smaller cities and towns, I’ve gotten used to weekday concerts and having my weekends free (unless I travel to a concert).
Moonpies were a Monday night here in Pittsburgh too last year.
March 1, 2020 @ 4:01 pm
St Louis (and sometimes Springfield, IL) are often Thursday stops on the way to Chicago.
March 1, 2020 @ 12:23 pm
Does it show a total lack of confidence in the demand for membership, and in turn the relevance, if they are afraid to enforce the rules?
March 1, 2020 @ 1:27 pm
Hopefully, some will return more often as interest in country music becomes more out there again. To the regulars that are there every night, week after week, thank you for showing the respect for the institution of the Opry. For some, maybe they need to have their membership reviewed and enforced, for lack of a better term. I’m quite sure the Opry will survive with or without some of these “stars” show up, because the fans will.
March 1, 2020 @ 1:35 pm
Just my opinion. Seems like 10 times a year is a lot to ask. Realistically, an artist can make a lot more money doing their own gigs. That’s not to slam the Opry in any way. I appreciate its existence. Nonetheless, zero appearances in a year for a member in good health is inexcusable. But we know the deal with Shelton, he’s too busy being a TV star to make time for “old Farts”.
March 1, 2020 @ 2:32 pm
The Opry members from back in the day were basically expected to perform once a week to keep their membership. Obviously, times have changed. 10 performances is an older number, and we’re not even sure if there is a specific number at this point. There was also the thought for a while that if they performed on the weekend, it would count double or triple. It’s understandable if an artist can’t make 10 performances each year. But somehow, Carrie Underwood is able to do it. We’re not talking about an entire show. We’re talking about two or three songs. And with Blake Shelton, it’s not just 0 performances in 2019. Sure, maybe he was busy. But it’s been a systemic thing throughout his career. Someone gets sick, is out on tour, just released a new record, okay. But if you can’t at least play a few times a year, no worries, just give up that spot to someone who can, and will.
March 1, 2020 @ 2:05 pm
I do think that 10 times per year is a bit unrealistic. Opry should at least reward effort. It’s understandable that the “has-beens” have more time open than the current “happenings.” But those who are in the happening group should show effort.
I do think that once the televised portion starts one might see a bit more performances from current artists. It guarantees more exposure. Not saying it should be that way but it is what it is. And if we do see that, it will appear to be unauthentic.
March 1, 2020 @ 2:24 pm
I bet part of it is because he’s gone “Hollywood” with the Voice and a huge pop star as his girlfriend (or are they married now?).
March 1, 2020 @ 2:52 pm
Blake Shelton is a deadbeat in more than one way.
March 1, 2020 @ 4:36 pm
Really, really? Last month the guy flew from California to Nashville on a Monday morning to play the All for the Hall benefit for the country music Hall of fame, then flew back that night….. Keith Urban couldn’t thank him enough for his support of country music and Nashville…. haters gonna hate….. most people that spend there time and energy trying to tear other people down are just miserable with there own lives and lack of any success…..
March 1, 2020 @ 7:37 pm
He is a talent that chose to live a full life– not a slave for the rest of his life. Everyone should grow and learn balance.
March 3, 2020 @ 11:52 am
No Sir….its plain and simple cut and dry ( give the dream to the dreamer that wants it deserves it and will treat it with the respect it so deserves…IT obviously is not his dream so give it back….plain and simple…No hatein here!!I miss the old Blake my fav song was Baby…and sum beach etc..
March 2, 2020 @ 9:57 am
Do you not have any thing better to do than to be hating on Blake Shelton? He is one of the finest Country Artists today, so take a chill pill and be still if you will. You can pick someone else to go hating on.
March 1, 2020 @ 3:34 pm
Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Combs are four (out of many) reasons the Opry has turned into a big joke. Talented artists for sure, but none advanced or successful enough in their careers to be members of such a hallowed institution.
It used to take a significant contribution to Country Music to become a member, now they just give it to any artist they think might garner publicity. Like someone said in the Rhonda Vincent post, they will be making Carly Pearce and Michael Ray members. Again, both talented, but far from ground breaking.
March 1, 2020 @ 11:25 pm
amen, jimmy ,amen ,,,,,those four names are indeed a joke .
March 1, 2020 @ 4:21 pm
I think it’s dumb to get on Shelton for not playing the Opry. This article just feels like another excuse to get this site to gang up on Shelton. Again. He’s really busy and he doesn’t spend any time in Nashville (iirc he splits his time between Oklahoma and LA to be with his gf and kids). Using Carrie Underwood (as well as the other names you mentioned) as an example of a big star playing x amount of shows is not apples to apples. She/they live there. Traveling to Nashville 10 times a year just to play 2 or 3 songs is counter productive for him. The Opry is making a ton of money off of him by using his name and brand to open and promote Ole Red (if you remember, the Opry tried to launch music venues before and failed). So if they don’t care that he doesn’t play the Opry 10 times a year, then we shouldn’t either. He’s doing a lot for country music by having country legends on his sold out arena tours and promoting Ole Red by using his celebrity to lure fans to country music, which is more than a lot of his contemporaries can say.
March 1, 2020 @ 5:54 pm
Totally understandable if Blake Shelton can’t fulfill his Opry obligations because he’s not in Nashville enough. Then he should relinquish his place to someone who can.
March 1, 2020 @ 11:48 pm
Oh please. Who’s to say he’s not doing his part in other ways? You yourself said you don’t know if he has made other arrangements with the Opry to pay his proverbial dues. You’re just looking for a reason to pile on him because you think it earns you cool points and it for sure earns you engagement on your story. Stir that pot.
March 27, 2020 @ 12:07 pm
He’s not country anymore! Hasnt been in years! He is all Hollywood celebrity now. He needs to stay where he’s wanted.
March 1, 2020 @ 9:34 pm
Give me a break….the guy has grown a career off of his ‘country’ identity….give back without being ‘to kool’ to be a participant and supporter of the Oprey….He is not the guy I originally thought he was. Very disappointing!
March 1, 2020 @ 4:41 pm
The Opry is located in Nashville.. & many artists live in Nashville. Seems pretty easy to perform there a few times a year.
Can artists call up the Opry a week prior to book a performance or are these appearances arranged months in advance?
Performing during “off periods” of their touring schedule (primarily in November and December) seems feasible.
Also regarding Blake, I know he has his tv show but he only tours 6 weeks out of the year…. Granted, he doesn’t live in Nashville…But still
March 2, 2020 @ 1:53 pm
Yes, he doesn’t live in Nashville, but how long does It take to get on his private jet and fly there from Oklahoma? 2 or 3 hours?
Not living there shouldn’t be an excuse for a millionaire like Blake.
March 1, 2020 @ 5:26 pm
“The year he was officially inducted he didn’t make any appearances.”
Blake was inducted in 2010 – he made several performances that year. I was at several – a March performance with Miranda, then in the summer during the flood when it was held at War Memorial, and then the night in September when he was asked to be a member.
March 1, 2020 @ 6:10 pm
I worded that wrongly. You’re right. What I should have said is that he did not make any further appearances in 2010 after he was inducted. It’s been corrected.
March 1, 2020 @ 5:28 pm
I would rather see more establish performers for the Grand Ole Opry , and leave the newbies for festivals and small stages. The “popular” stars are doing their jobs to country music by touring and having other activities that promote country music.
March 1, 2020 @ 5:31 pm
I feel like this article was unfairly slanted to specifically target Blake Shelton when many Opry members are guilty of not showing up. Some members like Reba, Alan Jackson, and Travis Tritt have gone years if not decades between Opry appearances. Many other artists have appeared much less than the “standard” of 10 shows like Brad Paisley, Garth, Dierks, and Keith Urban.
it is believed that the Opry consider the overall contribution of the artist to its membership, and in Blake’s case I imagine he was able to leverage the Ol Red partnership as a “Get Out of the Opry For Free” card. That said, it is sad that any member, including Blake, can’t respect the Opry enough to show up a few times a year.
March 1, 2020 @ 5:50 pm
I’ve always wondered about those artists who are members but have since lost their label deals and returned to obscurity. Like the Lost Trailers. Are such people still expected to perform or are they an embarrassment?
March 2, 2020 @ 8:23 am
My opinion, but I don’t feel like the Opry has any acts like the type you are mentioning.
In the 90s, they inducted a lot of the “hot new country” singers that dominated that era: Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt, Clint Black, Vince Gill, Joe Diffie, Hal Ketchum, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, among others. They were all invited to members very early on in their careers. Then you had acts like Trisha Yearwood and Diamond Rio who were inducted in 1999 – almost ten years of their first hits.
The 2000s saw a lot of established acts get invited: Pam Tillis, Terri Clark, Montgomery Gentry, Charlie Daniels, etc. Plus, newcomers like Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, and Carrie Underwood.
When you look at that list, yes, there are many who no longer have a major label record deal, but they record for smaller or indie labels. However, I think it’s fair to say that all of those acts have respected and decorated careers – plus they have quality music. Time has been good to them. The Opry has got that right throughout the years. Especially in the 2000s – there were so many one-hit wonders and acts that disappeared. When you look at the Opry induction list from that decade, it was mostly veteran acts. When you look at the latest acts to be inducted like Dustin Lynch and Kelsea Ballerini – they’ve all had 5 years of chart and touring success, so it’s a more secure decision.
March 2, 2020 @ 4:08 pm
Thanks for the reply. Very interesting.
March 1, 2020 @ 6:46 pm
I watched Blake Shelton at the Opry in 2019.
9 January 2019.
Tennessee Tourism can thank him and “his brand” for all the $$$ we spent the following week.
March 1, 2020 @ 7:05 pm
Perhaps the Opry’s reemergence on television will stimulate a resurgence in younger members meeting their obligations. They always seem to have time for the CMAs, ACMs, AMAs, CMT awards, Grammys, SNL, and all the late-night talk shows…but not the Opry. I think for “some” artists, their participation is contingent on the exposure they’ll receive. That’s not the spirit of Opry membership, but the reality of their participation.
March 1, 2020 @ 7:38 pm
Blake Shelton is a embarrassment,this new country is a joke where is the steel guitar and violins George and Alan Jackson are Kings and Miranda is the queen
March 2, 2020 @ 10:36 pm
Of FFS Jenee Fleenor, best fiddle player around, is in Blake’s band.
March 1, 2020 @ 8:36 pm
You’d think with how much Blake has gone on and on before about his love and knowledge of country music and it’s history, he’d make a little more effort to show up at the Opry at least a few more times. As Trigger said, if he can’t at least make the effort to make at least one or two appearances a year, then his membership should go to another artist who can make the commitment. Loving the two latest selections for Opry membership, btw! Maybe someone there is finally seeing the light.
March 1, 2020 @ 9:21 pm
Oh ffs Trig. How do you know The Opry hasn’t made a deal with Shelton in exchange for performances. He’s working with them all the time. He works all the time. Carrie lives in Nashville. As do the others. Christ this is tiresome. He’s out there promoting country music to millions-the music of past artists and newer artists. He’s on tour again with older and newer artists introducing their music. What is this? There are others who haven’t fulfilled their quota. But you single out Shelton to get clicks. Come on man. This is getting old.
March 1, 2020 @ 10:00 pm
I don’t know Shelton has made a backroom deal with the Opry. I hope he hasn’t, because that would not be fair to the other members. This is not about the money. As Lorrie Morgan said, it’s about love. I appreciate that Blake Shelton has done a lot to spread the word about country music. I’ve always given him credit where credit is due, whether it’s promoting good country on “The Voice,” or when he releases good music like with “God’s Country,” or “Texoma Shore.” But he is a serial offender when it comes to shirking his Opry obligations, and I’m not going to give him a pass.
Also numerous people have pointed out others have not paid their dues, and so did I. But many of these are older artists who have many performances under their belt, unlike Shelton. Nonetheless, they should be making sure they show up to the Opry as well, or their membership should be called into question too.
March 2, 2020 @ 6:53 am
When I did the Opry backstage tour around 3 years ago somebody in our group asked about the minimum performances and while I wish I could remember the exact wording used, there was a comment along the lines that the Opry looks at the total contribution of the artist to the Opry and has a discussion with each artist (or their management more likely) about how and how much the artist can support the Opry. At the time I believe the usher cited some new tour introduction/narration videos that some of the big-name artists did and cited the then upcoming Opry movie project as other ways the artists are supporting the Opry. Thus, I fully believe the Ol Red deal is viewed in the same light as Blake’s way of contributing to the Opry without actually showing up. I also believe Blake has showed up to play at the Ol Red locations occasionally and I wouldn’t be surprised if that also counted as appearances toward his Opry membership.
March 2, 2020 @ 9:53 am
I love how the emerging theory here is that Blake Shelton doesn’t need to perform on the Opry because of his Ol Red partnership. But in my opinion, that would be more scandalous than him not showing up at all if he has some backroom deal where basically he can leverage his brand partnership to not make appearances, or somehow count appearances at his own bar where he can double dip financially to fulfill his obligations—something no other member is able to do.
In 1963, Opry members were required to make 26 appearances a year, or their membership would be immediately revoked. I get it. It’s a different time. Blake Shelton is a very busy man. If he can’t make at least two or three appearances a year, I understand. Just relinquish your membership to someone who can.
March 1, 2020 @ 9:54 pm
There is only so much of anyone and you have save some for yourself. I am a 70 year old song-writer from Haywood County N.C. with nothing near the pressure Blake has , so keep up the good work and let the nay sayers be damned and call me for a song. Regards JLT
March 1, 2020 @ 11:20 pm
if you can’t show up for the job , don’t accept the offer . simple .
if you accept the offer knowing the responsibilities it involves , you’d better show up for the job or you’ll be replaced by someone ho WILL . simple .
if he didn’t show up for a “VOICE” shooting , they’d replace him . simple .
March 1, 2020 @ 10:50 pm
Its all about money for Blake Shelton…. He sounds like he’s crying for his Momma in that love song others wrote. He sings no better than Stefani. I read a list recently, of what all The Voice Judges make (PAY WISE). The article said Blake was paid more at one time for putting out the PDA with his girlfriend Stefani. The Opry owners can have Shelton, keep him in the Ole Reds, give him that money. I can’t stand to see him on the ACM STAGE or stand to hear him on the radio. One good thing his singles fly up charts fast and they are gone. Remember he wasn’t much before Blackstocks took him to Hollywood and that Redchair.
March 1, 2020 @ 11:43 pm
Par for the course, huh Trigger? Write an article targeting and name-calling Blake Shelton, and then sit back and giddily watch your counts go up as the fans go after each other. And look at me playing right into your hand. Shame on me. Why don’t you let the Opry powers that be worry about whether or not Shelton is worthy of membership and concentrate on how you can slant your next article to maximize clicks via social media squabbles?
March 2, 2020 @ 7:13 am
He’s a writer. He writes articles.
The goal is to get them read, believe it or not.
Whats with the anger here?
March 2, 2020 @ 12:30 am
LOL this is hilarious.The Opry has opted for him to perform at Ole Red Nash for publicity instead of the Opry stage. He made 5 appearances on the Ole Red Nash stage on behalf of the Opry. For a Nashville insider you are quite obtuse and lack knowledge on the goings on in Nashville.
Well at least you accomplished your goal. you got the engagement you were sorely lacking. so congratulations. At least now you have your formula. Anytime you want attention you bash Blake on your little site.
March 2, 2020 @ 10:38 am
there are SO MANY ‘country ARTISTS’ that need ‘bashing’ for musical crimes that B.S and his insipid radio catalogue are only a small part of a daily comeuppance around here . there isn’t enough time and there could never be enough articles at this point . its ALL about awareness and ‘engagement’ . oh yeah ….and a little thing called MUSIC which is ALWAYS priority one with SCM . how many of the amazing acts showcased here would still be busking without the awareness generated by SCM ??
March 2, 2020 @ 5:57 am
One of the reasons I don’t listen as often as I used to is because the show has really changed. Love all the older performers but the young ones leave me cold most of the time. Reba Dolly etc should be around more than when they feel like showing up. I lost interest in Blake a long time ago but that’s just me. I’d love it if the older performers or members showed up more often. Thanks for your articles. They are always insightful.
March 2, 2020 @ 6:11 am
Has The Opry asked Jamey Johnson to be a member yet? There are quite a few that are members that I would not consider country, makes me wonder who is making decisions…
March 2, 2020 @ 7:25 am
Meanwhile, the new John Anderson album is great!!
March 2, 2020 @ 7:31 pm
And guess who helped him by doing a duet with him and booking him on an arena tour….
March 3, 2020 @ 7:49 am
I have posted previously commending Blake for including him and the Bellamy Brothers for now their second tour together. A positive move by all.
March 2, 2020 @ 12:15 pm
I understand artists have obligations when they are members of the Opry. You also have to consider they also have their careers as an artist and have booked shows and tours. They can’t just leave their tour and say I need to perform on the Opry a lot of ticket holders would not be happy. Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton also are hosting tv shows as well. Some are acting in movies that are actually paying them for their work.
March 2, 2020 @ 2:20 pm
I will forever wonder why multi-talented Opry member Barbara Mandrell has not, to my knowledge, performed anywhere since she “retired”. Typically, popular country artists of any era who no longer want to tour or release new music (by force or choice) will (particularly if they are members) at least make an occasional appearance at the Opry. If there are minimum performance rules, they obviously aren’t enforced on everyone.
March 2, 2020 @ 7:25 pm
So many comments here sound like punk rockers in the 80s. If you didn’t meet super stringent criteria, you were considered a poseur and thus a target for hate and derision.
But. We were nihilistic teenagers who were wasted most of the time.
And then we grew up and realized it was possible to appreciate a wide array of music and lifestyles instead of grabbing every opportunity to hate on something….
March 2, 2020 @ 10:04 pm
I saw Carrie Underwood at the Opry in 2007, and was thrilled to get a ticket to the show the same day. It was evident then that she loves Country music and respects the Opry. It’s too bad that the country music awards don’t honor her the same way. I’m still upset that she didn’t get Entertainer of the Year, she is so talented and puts on a great show!
March 2, 2020 @ 11:37 pm
Just a random Q, from someone who has no idea how All Of This Works:
Is it just part of the routine that every new member to the Opry is inducted via ambush whenever said invite happens to be playing there? Is there any graceful way for a performer to say “thanks but no thanks” in the drama of that moment if he/she is uncomfortable with the commitment implied or frankly, not completely in sync with the values of the Opry and would prefer to leave those reasons to him/her self?
March 3, 2020 @ 10:01 am
I’m sure before anyone is asked, there is a vetting process behind-the-scenes to make sure everyone is on board. Can’t imagine they would ask someone who is ho-hum about joining. It’s usually a young artist who’ve after they’re asked and their career blows up that it might become a logistical problem. It makes total sense why Blake Shelton can’t honor his commitments. The Voice has two seasons a year which tape in California, he tours when he can, he’s got other commitments as a performer. But in the wings, there are performers who’ve waited their entire lives for this opportunity, who would make the obligations. The Opry is not for everyone. But the people who’ve accepted a membership should take it seriously, or offer their spot to someone who will.