Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler Observe Memorial Day on Grand Ole Opry
After two weeks of less than favorable lineups for the Grand Ole Opry’s Saturday night quarantine performances (Dustin Lynch, Keith Urban, etc.) the Opry returns Saturday, May 23rd with a great lineup to honor the fallen men and women of the military for Memorial Day weekend, as well as the frontline workers battling COVID-19.
Kellie Pickler is not only responsible for some great country music, she has been one of the most steadfast supporters of military members over her career, participating in numerous USO tours, and taking her winnings from television appearances (including $25,000 on Celebrity Family Feud) and donating it to the USO. Appearing regularly on the Opry, some have asked why she wasn’t picked to host the television portion of the show on the Circle Network over Bobby Bones.
Craig Morgan just released his latest record called God, Family, Country, which makes him the perfect candidate to help host the Memorial Day Opry. An Opry member since 2008, Morgan also appeared on the April 25th broadcast with Luke Combs, and was a highlight for many during these quarantine performances. His ability to sing country and Gospel makes him a good pick since the Opry has insisted that Gospel be a regular element in these special performances.
And speaking of Gospel, Steven Curtis Chapman will also be performing Saturday night as part of the Grand Ole Opry’s salute to service.
“The days preceding Memorial Day have for years brought with them our annual ‘Salute The Troops’ show and unforgettable moments as we honor and say thank you to those who serve our country,” says Opry vice president and executive producer Dan Rogers. “It’s more important than ever in 2020 that through words and songs we connect fans across the country to recognize the sacrifices of members of the U.S. Military. Additionally, this year’s show will offer the opportunity for fans tuned in around the world to honor the troops of essential workers on the frontline of the battles that’ve changed our world this year, the war on COVID-19.”
These acoustic performances with minimal accompaniment and no crowd have kept the 95-year tradition of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night alive despite strict stay at home orders by the Nashville mayor. But the Opry has earned a special exception, and has kept the “Circle Unbroken” through the unprecedented shutdown that we may see easing in the coming weeks.
Fans can watch live via the embedded player below, on the new Circle Network via local affiliates of the expanding channel (check availability), or on the Circle Network’s Facebook Page, or on The Circle Network’s YouTube page, or listen via WSM. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. Central.
May 23, 2020 @ 11:56 am
Who?
May 24, 2020 @ 9:42 am
Ay Fuzz yer the Clyde Mattocks fan right? that Jonathan Parker record Trig wrote about a few weeks ago has him all over it.
May 23, 2020 @ 2:09 pm
Also worth mentioning in this context that Morgan is a veteran himself.
May 23, 2020 @ 2:11 pm
Yes, good point.
May 23, 2020 @ 2:59 pm
Craig Morgan was so underrated in his prime. He’s also one of the better live singers among male country artists.
May 23, 2020 @ 5:42 pm
He’s one of those that you need to close your eyes and listen to though. He’s hard to watch with the faces he makes while he sings. It detracts from his voice.
May 24, 2020 @ 4:55 am
I understand what you are saying and agree to an extent, but on the other hand I am impressed by how he seems to put his entire self into singing. I’m thinking they could turn off the mic and he could fill the room.
May 23, 2020 @ 3:14 pm
Kellie is a sweetheart. I’m glad she managed to have a career while keeping classy.
May 23, 2020 @ 3:27 pm
I’m all in favor of Kellie replacing Bobby…she would do wayyy better than him!! Doubt it’ll happen though,
May 23, 2020 @ 4:42 pm
I’ll be watching. Solid line up..
Speaking of raising money, some very interesting news from Sturgill Simpson..
May 23, 2020 @ 5:05 pm
Steven Curtis Chapman is an inspired choice for this weekend’s show. While his sound is more contemporary than true gospel, he’s an excellent musician, and by far my favorite Christian music singer.
Hearing “Let Us Pray” for the first time in 1998 at See You At The Pole was a life-changer for me. Most contemporary Christian music annoyed me at best, but this was different. It was good! Next thing you know I’ve got all of Steven’s albums, and they’re something I listen to all the time, right there with Garth Brooks and Waylon Jennings. (Speechless was by far his best album, for anyone interested.)
May 23, 2020 @ 5:10 pm
Kellie Pickler opening up by singing Walt Wilkins “Someone, Somewhere.” Great call, and completely unexpected.
May 23, 2020 @ 7:25 pm
Kellie was knocking it out of the park tonight. When I see her like she was tonight, I have no idea how she did not become a huge star.
May 23, 2020 @ 10:09 pm
I know I harp on her quite a bit. But man, especially those first two songs she performed were absolutely lights out. Really would love to see her transition from a TV personality back to music.
May 23, 2020 @ 6:01 pm
Another great show! Loved the final song by Stevrn Curtis Chapman “We Remember”.
May 23, 2020 @ 6:27 pm
And amazing to listen to Steven and Craig who have both suffered through the death of a child.
As one who also has, God bless them for their inspiration!
May 23, 2020 @ 11:09 pm
Just my opinion, also the opinion of someone that has lost a child, frankly I am tired of hearing it over and over from Craig. He’s not the only one that’s suffered that loss and to me its starting to be a disservice to the people that have lost a child. I’m certain that he is sincere, but healing from that comes from praying to God, day after day and allowing him to ease your pain as he sees fit.
May 24, 2020 @ 11:51 am
The same can be said for Kellie’s “I Wonder”. It was o.k. at first to be emotional, however being continually emotional every time she sang it took some of the authenticity away. I can understand it a bit more from Craig as losing a child has got to be beyond painful.
Both artists are good and they put on a good show. I prefer them to the Urban, Lynch, etc. shows. Chapman is highly regarded in the Contemporary Christian music genre.
I applaud the Opry for doing this regardless of some of the performers in prior shows. It’s been good overall. And yes, Kellie would be much better than Bones. Matter of fact, a broom handle would be much better. He is the kind of guy that as a kid you wanted to give a swirlie to in the boy’s bathroom at youth camp.