Merle Haggard Shuns New Outlaws / Opry Shuns Legends
There’s been lots of talk lately here and other places about what makes an Outlaw, who are the real Outlaws, who are the fake ones. Well Nancy Dunham from The Boot had Merle Haggard cornered and answering questions, and was bold enough to ask him some smart ones, and Merle replied with some bold, smart answers.
Outlaw country artists are people like Willie Nelson who write music their way and not because of some special grooming. Johnny Cash wasn’t made in a grooming school and the next Johnny Cash won’t be found that way. The writers now pick about two guys at a time and [work with them] and come back with a song at five that evening. That is the way they like to see [country stars made]. Sometimes it works. But I don’t think they found Elvis Presley that way and I don’t think Hank Williams was found that way. Hank didn’t do it that way at all.
There are a couple young guys who want to. They’re really trying. Joe Nichols, he is sure trying to and there are a lot of guys that are different enough that they make their own music. You can tell it. There’s got to be somebody in the corning fixing to spring out and save the day. That’s what I’m hoping for.
Did you know that Merle Haggard is NOT a member of the Grand Ole Opry?
Merle made a list that includes Wilie Nelson, George Strait, Hank Williams, Dwight Yoakam, and many others that appeared on examiner.com’s Lexington site, in an extensive article about how the Grand Ole Opry is possibly shunning legends in lieu of the quick dollar from hot acts. And yes, Reinstate Hank comes up.
It is a fact that the Opry is a business that is out to make money. When Carrie Underwood performs, it is pretty much a guaranteed sell out, even without a convention or tour buses lining the pavement. Furthermore, there are the infamous missteps and questions of “why” did they make the decision. . . . Years later, the Opry would go on to fire Williams in hopes that he would sober up. Sadly, he would pass away one haunting evening in the backseat of a car. Over the years, the Grand Ole Opry would continue to use his image in promoting their history over the years. Even with a campaign to reinstate Hank, the Opry has shunned away any progress to reinduct Hank Sr as a member of the Opry.
September 30, 2010 @ 11:02 am
Joe Nichols?
September 30, 2010 @ 11:17 am
Yeah, well. There’s much worse.
What I found interesting is who he DIDN’T name, like Jamey Johnson.
September 30, 2010 @ 11:26 am
Seems like he could have mentioned a bunch of people before him. I enjoyed the rest of the interview though. Good stuff.
September 30, 2010 @ 5:10 pm
He also plugged Joe Nicols in the interview I did with him as well, he must really like him.
May 15, 2013 @ 11:52 pm
Joe Nichols has a traditional country sound, at least vocally, and his albums are mostly traditional country music, except for many of the single radio releases which he has no control over.
November 25, 2010 @ 10:03 pm
Holy crap, I didn’t know that Merle Haggard is not a member of the Grand Ole Opry!!! And, Legs Underwood IS????
June 14, 2012 @ 1:50 pm
Howdy Kay …
I knew that Merle Haggard was not a member of the Grand Ole’ Opry but my Question is why isn’t he?? I understand that Merle is a Business man when it comes to his career but my Question still remains. Kay, if you heard of or found an answer to this WHY part, please contact me, may God bless you, Ronny McCoy, from Texas.
September 30, 2010 @ 11:11 am
Very well put.
September 30, 2010 @ 11:18 am
Somebody was asking about you over on the message board:
http://www.forum.savingcountrymusic.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=517
September 30, 2010 @ 11:33 am
Joe Nichols…. Seriously? As much as it hurts to say it I think the Hag is going senile. Nothing about the “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” warrants him to be in the same article as greats like Johnny and Willie.
September 30, 2010 @ 12:36 pm
Alright, let’s not flip out. So he dropped Joe Nichols name. He was probably caught on the spot and said the first name that came to mind. He’s Merle Haggard. I’m sure he lives a pretty focused existence and has no idea who Whitey Morgan or Bob Wayne are, and may not know Jr’s son plays music.
The rest of what he said was spot on.
September 30, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
You raise a valid point it was probably nothing more than the first name that popped into his head, I was just a bit surprised not to see a name like Jamey Johnson as opposed to Joe f$^#$&% Nichols. By no means did I mean to come across as disrespectful using the senile comment, the Joe Nichols thing just kind of caught me off guard.
September 30, 2010 @ 5:12 pm
Read above to the last thread about Nicols.
October 1, 2010 @ 7:39 am
If this isn’t trying to spin a legend’s comment of the movement we are trying to save to fit the movement….
You don’t think Merle knows Hank III is out there? Are you f-ing kidding me? I can understand Whitey, since they have come on to the bigger scene as of late, but Hank III, come on…Merle didn’t die 20yrs. ago.
…and Bob Wayne…not surprised he doesn’t know him.
November 22, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
Got that right. As far as I’m concerned, you’d have to get a shovel to find more than 3 cool Country guys…ok, what? 4? 5 maybe….If you count the non-pussy actors that sing country music as well…just an opinion, tough.
October 19, 2015 @ 7:20 pm
maybe you should attend Muddy Roots, there is probably at least a couple more there, sure there is a few hipsters, but i am pretty confident no pussy actors
September 30, 2010 @ 11:44 am
Good old Merle
September 30, 2010 @ 11:47 am
No he didn’t mention Jamey, and that means????
He didn’t mention Hank III, Bob Wayne, Wayne Hancock either…. and that means???
Yet he mentions Joe Nichols, and that isn’t good enough either?
Merle is awesome. “I Am What I Am” is vintage Merle.
September 30, 2010 @ 12:38 pm
I honestly didn’t care if he mentioned Joe Nichols or not, I was focused on the overall message. Yeah there were definitely some other names I would’ve rather seen there, but they are people it is unrealistic for us to expect Merle to know about.
September 30, 2010 @ 12:49 pm
WOW your input was so helpful…..
September 30, 2010 @ 1:03 pm
Not you Trigg.
September 30, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
I always value what he says. He’s an honest man. He’s been ta prison he stands up fer America. I always like ta hear what him an other living lengends say about the music of taday. Great post Triggerman
September 30, 2010 @ 12:08 pm
Awesome post!
September 30, 2010 @ 12:42 pm
Opry at the Ryman can be so awesome. Seeing people like Del McCoury and Little Jim Dickens in that room on that stage is a hell of an experience. I haven’t been to the new Opry House so I can’t speak for that. Unfortunately too many of their inductee choices and neglects are damn shameful. The Grand Ole Opry has the potential to be something really special but like most other things, they do what the $$$ tells them to do.
Merle is the man. I hope he continues to put out good new music like “I Am What I Am” for many more years. Would he accept and appreciate an induction as an Opry member? I wonder.
September 30, 2010 @ 12:57 pm
That’s a good point Duluke. I’m sure some of the names on the list don’t care, like Willie. He did sign with the Opry back in the 60’s. I’m very surprised George Strait is not a member. I’m sure he would like to be. With Merle its hard to say. He’s a California guy. At this point he may not care.
September 30, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
We should start a blog (and no I am not suggesting this thread turn into it) but is there a list of significant Country starts NOT in the Opry?
I think Strait doesn’t give it much mind either. He is a TX guy. You don’t hear much about him roaming Nashville now or way back when.
September 30, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
I’m willing to bet Strait would rather be a member of the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame than the Opry.
September 30, 2010 @ 1:22 pm
He’s got nice recognition at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth.
September 30, 2010 @ 1:37 pm
Yeah, really anyone not centered around Nashville may not want to be too involved in that scene because as a member, you have to meet certain performance obligations that don’t pay well. Unless you’re Garth Brooks, like that article points out.
September 30, 2010 @ 2:52 pm
Cuz he’s a real cowboy.
July 18, 2011 @ 1:22 pm
I heard long ago that George Strait was actually offered an invite to join the Opry but turned it down because he wouldn’t be able to meet the performance requirements.
September 30, 2010 @ 2:54 pm
The Hag knows what he’s talkin’ about. ‘ the Opry is possibly shunning legends ‘ is more like IS definitely shunning legends…
September 30, 2010 @ 2:58 pm
Yeah, I would agree. But the woman who wrote that article put a question mark on her title, so I didn’t want to mischaracterize her story. My story would have an exclamation point at the end.
September 30, 2010 @ 5:43 pm
I think it’s time someone started an Opry like organization for real country artist. Hank Sr. should be the first inductee. It could be called “The Damned Ol’ Opry”
September 30, 2010 @ 8:44 pm
There already is one, called the Louisiana Hayride. We just need to get it back up and running.
September 30, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
haha. nice!
September 30, 2010 @ 10:03 pm
That would be great. Haven’t heard that name in a long time but I did hear Hank III say something about starting the Louisiana Hellride.
October 1, 2010 @ 10:03 am
On his youtube video fer The Grand Ole Opry (Ain’t So Grand) he is showin’ live an he says, “Dude do the right thing. Don’t make us create the Louisiana Hellride…” I wouldn’t mind him doin’ jes that. How’s about you?
September 30, 2010 @ 7:43 pm
Good old Haggard, glad we still have a few of the elders to give us words of wisdom.
September 30, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
Just to clear up the blog….
It may not be clear to some, as it wasn’t to me right away….
Two different news articles totally unrelated.
One interview piece that Mr. Haggard did with Nancy, and then an article by Jessica Cornett of the Examiner about the Opry.
The Nancy interview piece is called “Merle Speaks His Mind” not “Merle Shuns New Outlaws”
Merle didn’t say anything about the Opry and/or shunning legends. So I am not sure why this blog combines the two articles, and seems to portray that Merle believes the Opry is shunning legends. The two articles have nothing to do with one another beyond Merle is on a list of others not in the Opry, and I guess Merle gave a recent interview.
I’m not sayin, I’m just sayin’….. the way it is posted on this site, seems to suggest that Merle doesn’t like the newly dubbed “Outlaws” (although he doesn’t say that at all) and coupled with the Opry article suggests that Merle is not happy with the Opry and the “newer” artists getting in (although he doesn’t say that). He doesn’t cover that topic at all.
I can only speculate, but combining the two articles appears to be a way of using a Legend like Merle to twist against some of the new “outlaw” artists. That funny, SCM followers seem to have a bone to pick with. So I guess this blog supports that…using Merle as a magnet to readers.
Funny, Merle didn’t talk about Jamey Johnson and Trig, you pointed that out… but the Examiner article did mention Jamey..and you didn’t mention that???
Trig, you have been very respectful and fair to me. So please don’t take this as disrespectful. I do see the reason behind it. I just think it is kind of dirty pool. Sorry man.
September 30, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
Alright, first off, I apologize if linking these two articles was confusing. This certainly wasn’t my intention. I understand now that you point out how this MIGHT be the case, but I think it is pretty clear that we are talking about two different articles and two different subjects. I introduced and linked to both articles before posting the quotes from them. If you skip the soup and salad and go straight for the entree, then yeah, it can be confusing, but I think I did a fair job disconnecting the two.
As far as Merle NOT shunning new outlaws, as you allude to:
“Johnny Cash wasn”™t made in a grooming school and the next Johnny Cash won”™t be found that way. The writers now pick about two guys at a time and [work with them] and come back with a song at five that evening. That is the way they like to see [country stars made].”
That sounds like some pretty harsh criticism, or shunning my friend. He also talks about someone “saving the day.” What needs saving, unless something is wrong?
And I haven’t seen anybody comment here, or heard from anybody confused that Merle was “Shunning Legends or The Opry.”
And I mentioned Jamey in the COMMENTS section in a passing thought. Jeez, this is as bad as all the JTE people pouring over my every word, waiting for the most slightest of openings to kick me in the nuts. And you’re right, he was not mentioned in the Opry article either, but really, who cares? This article is not about Jamey Johnson. If we want to rehash that argument out again, let’s do it on one of those articles.
I combined the two stories to save space more than anything, since this article was really no more than a cut and paste hack job, I didn’t want to have to do it twice. And I do think they fit together, and I think the information is important.
I didn’t write this article to put my name in lights, I wrote it to spotlight a couple of good stories I thought might appeal to my readership. That is called blogging.
Sheesh.
October 1, 2010 @ 4:46 am
Triggerman, you do a fantastic job at blogging and attending to your readership. And that’s not to stroke your ego. You already know. I find it interesting and discerning that you post a blog about a legend, talking about how country music is shunning legends, and you get flak from the up and coming sellout lovers. This is the 35th comment about this issue and Nashville is still just a shame.
October 1, 2010 @ 7:44 am
What????? “I find it interesting and discerning that you post a blog about a legend, talking about how country music is shunning legends, and you get flak from the up and coming sellout lovers.”
The blog is a misrepresentation. The articles are not a legend talking about country music shunning legends. Merle doesn’t say a thing about being shunned by anyone.
Did you skip the soup and salad and just buy into the title?
October 1, 2010 @ 10:45 am
When are you starting your own blog waylon4ever?
October 1, 2010 @ 7:15 am
Your right, if people skip the links in the blog and just take it for how it is presented, then there maybe confusion. Based on some responses, it does appear some skipped the soup and salad.
I guess we can agree to disagree.
I don’t think he shunned any “new outlaws” since he was not asked about it. He was asked, “Different people define outlaw country artists different ways. How do you define an outlaw country artist?” and he answered with the mention of Cash and Willie.
Then he was asked, “Do you see anyone else carrying on the outlaw country tradition?” and he answered by saying, “There are a couple young guys who want to. They’re really trying. Joe Nichols…”
The only thing Merle got on was about how some songs are created today and that isn’t exactly how those considered “musical outlaws” created their songs. (Back in the 60-70’s songs were being created this manufactured way too) “The writers now pick about two guys at a time and [work with them] and come back with a song at five that evening. That is the way they like to see [country stars made]. Sometimes it works. But I don’t think they found Elvis Presley that way and I don’t think Hank Williams was found that way. Hank didn’t do it that way at all.”
Out of that way of doing music, comes “outlaws” eventually.
He certainly didn’t say “oh this new movement of guys growing their hair out and singing about Cash and Waylon is a joke”
Yes, you mentioned Jamey Johnson in the comments as a passing thought…. and this isn’t about Jamey, but why did you pick to mention him? WHEN, Jamey WAS mentioned in the Opry article along with others…
“If the direction of the Opry is seeking modern stars to help fill seats to make more money, they should keep an eye out for folks like Jamey Johnson, Lee Ann Womack, the Grascals, Ashton Shepherd, even Sunny Sweeney, Elizabeth Cook, and others who jump at the chance to play the Opry because they know what an honor it is to play.”
Did you read this article???
Perhaps if a true outlaw like Merle is giving a tip of the cap to Joe Nichols, maybe some of us out here (including me) need to look at what we think is a “musical outlaw”. Rather than chalk Merle’s comment up to “he must be senile.” or “he probaly meant to say…” Maybe we are wrong on some level.
Either way, and again, we can agree to disagree, but the title of the blog itself(unless dug into by following the links), on the surface portrays something it is not. You could have made it read “Merle gives nod to Joe Nichols as new outlaw/Opry still shunning Merle.”
But since the hot topic is “new outlaws” it reads better to present as it was. If it was completely coincidence, then you have better “spin talent” than you realize.
October 1, 2010 @ 10:56 am
Since you are confused, let me break it down for you.
Merle Haggard is not a member of the Opry. Thus, he is shunned.
Triggerman’s blog provides lots of information. Read carefully and understand. The article with the title ‘Is the Opry Shunning the Legends’ is talking about the idea of shunning and Merle talked of new outlaws.
When I said I find it interesting, notice I put a comma between my thoughts. I am not saying Merle Haggard talks about shunning, I said the blog is about shunning in part and Merle Haggard is a legend, is he not?. It’s pretty clear to me.
Thanks for the appetizer. I’ll go straight for the main course.
October 1, 2010 @ 11:15 am
Where was Merle asked about the “new outlaw” movement and when did he talk about the “new outlaw” movement? I fail to see that in either article.
I do agree that your post does divide the blog into the two articles witht he comma. It could be interpreted either way, I apologize for mis-interpreting.
You again through out the “sell-out” term with no context or support?? Merle never commented on Nashville artists. It was simply the way some songs are developed. Meet at 8am, song by 5pm.
The Opry article does reference some Nashville based names. Are they all in your “sellout” group?
All I ask is when someone uses the term “sellout” they have at least one reason to say that. You provide none…”oh just my opinion.” You can have an opinion about not liking someone, but to call them sellouts is deeper than that. I could call many artists popular on this page “sellouts”.
September 30, 2010 @ 11:18 pm
Great post and great article(s)! Under current ownership I doubt The Grand Ole Opry will ever be as GRAND as she once was. Probably why “She” is now refered to as “It”.
October 1, 2010 @ 11:31 am
Let me help you out waylon4ever: Scroll down oh about half way down in the interview with Merle Haggard on the Boot. That is where he talks about new outlaws.
Would you like a refill? Seems your glass is half empty.
And it is not “my opinion”. It is my fact.
October 1, 2010 @ 11:39 am
That is not a fact, that is plain wrong. Where does he discuss “new outlaws”??? Please cut and paste….
Here is the section you appear to be referring to. Please tell me where he “shuns” an artist that this site would perceive as “new outlaw”.
cut and paste from “Merle Speaks His Mind”
Different people define outlaw country artists different ways. How do you define an outlaw country artist?
Outlaw country artists are people like Willie Nelson who write music their way and not because of some special grooming. Johnny Cash wasn’t made in a grooming school and the next Johnny Cash won’t be found that way. The writers now pick about two guys at a time and [work with them] and come back with a song at five that evening. That is the way they like to see [country stars made]. Sometimes it works. But I don’t think they found Elvis Presley that way and I don’t think Hank Williams was found that way. Hank didn’t do it that way at all.
Do you see anyone else carrying on the outlaw country tradition?
There are a couple young guys who want to. They’re really trying. Joe Nichols, he is sure trying to and there are a lot of guys that are different enough that they make their own music. You can tell it. There’s got to be somebody in the corning fixing to spring out and save the day. That’s what I’m hoping for.
October 1, 2010 @ 11:42 am
Your believing your own lies…. nothing wrong with that. That was one of Costanza’s #1 rules to lying. “It’s not a lie, if you believe it”
October 1, 2010 @ 11:58 am
You’re calling me a liar?
October 1, 2010 @ 12:09 pm
yea, your lying. Where in the article does he shun new outlaws? You said it was in there, it was fact.
So where is it?
October 1, 2010 @ 11:53 am
Waylon4ever
Carrying on would be the same as being new to the present day wouldn’t you think? Merle’s hope someone would carry on is leading up to carrying on, correct? Did you get an A in biology? Cuz you sure like to dissect things and trying to nitpik this blog is a waste of time.
Are you for real country music or not? I mean, it’s real interesting you like to argue and debate. You think it’s right for some of today’s country stars to be members of the Opry and not Hank Williams? Not Merle Haggard? Let me guess: as long as Jamey Johnson is you would be happy?
Get on with yourself. It’s wrong and you know it. Hank Williams did more for country music than Jamey Johnson ever will. Merle Haggard lived the outlaw life and sings about it. He paid his dues. He didn’t sell out. He doesn’t pat himself on the back about it. He doesn’t have to convince anyone about it. It’s understood.
Understand?
October 1, 2010 @ 12:10 pm
Yea carrying on would be the next generation so to speak.
So he said some new guys are trying to carry it on. He said Joe Nichols as an example.
You think Joe is a sellout? Merle likes him.
October 1, 2010 @ 12:07 pm
WTF are you talking about? This is your M.O. Say shit you can’t back up, get put in a box, and then change the subject. Run and hide will be next.
Hank, Merle, etc.. should be in the Opry. But if they aren’t I don’t care. It kind of adds to them. It fits their legacy.
Since we are left with the fact that today, the Opry lets in some very questionable acts, then I would argue, as the Opry article does, there are many other acts today that should get in. Should they get in ahead of Hank and Merle, no, but they should before Carrie Underwood.
Jamey Johnson has nothing to do with this. Trig brought it up in a passing thought, and since we are all agreeing that there were two articles to this blog, I brought up the FACT, Jamey was mentioned in the second article.
Merle didn’t say shit about new outlaws. He talked about how songs are created.
Your a sellout, you offer no support for your opinions and then you change the subject when challenged or flat our wrong.
P.S. What is your problem with guys like Jamey Johnson? You offer him a BJ one time and he turned you down?
Sorry, your a joke, so I will cross a line.
October 1, 2010 @ 12:25 pm
Cross your line. But know this: I know what I’m talking about. I ain’t running or hiding. Merle does talk about new artists being outlaws, briefly, and Honkytonkbadonkadonk is the proof you demand. I don’t give a rats ass what you think of me. Period.
Reread it and get it right.
October 1, 2010 @ 12:32 pm
haha. you are a classic. You don’t even know which way is up!
Where the hell did honky-tonk badonkadonk come from with this discussion?
And where in the hell does Merle talk about new artists being outlaws in that article.
shit… to funny. thanks for the laugh.
October 1, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
Denice, lets play a game. You made the claim or comment, but provided no real support or opinon. Just a jockey.
Could you please explain what you mean when you said, “I find it interesting and discerning that you post a blog about a legend, talking about how country music is shunning legends, and you get flak from the up and coming sellout lovers.”
What is interesting and disconcerning? That we all don’t agree with the blog?
What flak was given? Comments were made and an adult discussion was happening to clear up some mis-conceptions. When a blog goes up, the author should expect to have to explain it if there are concerns from readers. (I think Trig does a great job of that)
What do you mean by “up and coming sellout lovers”? What? What? What? Just one little example. I will make it it easy to start.
Gloriana is up and coming. How are they sellouts? This should be easy. Then we will move to harder “sellout” examples.
October 1, 2010 @ 1:59 pm
Waylon4ever & Denise The two of you represent what is wrong with the underground country movment today. Everyone wants to pic a fight over nothing. Look at all the interviews triggerman has done lately. Jake Orvis is fighting with the .357 String Band, JTE is fighting with club owners, Joe Buck hates everything that has country in it’s name & Hank III hates opening acts. Even the fans are fighting over Jamey Johnson. I say we quit fighting & love anyone who is making at least good country music. Maybe then we can retake country music.
October 1, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
I totally agree man. I think there are a lot of good positive articles up on the home page right now, but the negative ones get all the attention. It’s always been that way, but I always try to stay positive as best I can. We can’t forget this is all about pushing the GOOD music, and we can’t spend all our time pissing and moaning.
October 2, 2010 @ 6:07 am
I agree to a point GA outlaw. It’s not that I want to fight with waylon4ever, but I will stand my ground. What is wrong with country music today is the greed and the terrible descent of talent for the LOVE of MONEY and FAME. Listen to music that is deemed a hit today. Just terrible, lyrically. Just terrible period. Would make my ears bleed if I left it on long enough. Waylon4ever wants to jump on me for what I think and know about Jamey Johnson. He doesn’t know shit about what I’m talking about. He’s trying, I’ll give him that, but he won’t succeed.
I will say what I want, just like him, and that is what a blog seems to be for.
The Grand Ole Opry makes me sick. The difference is this: Hank Williams wasn’t good enough but they still make their money off of him. Now they won’t rescind their mistake. Where’s the love there? Music Row has no love for Hank III. Or Joe Buck. Or the .357’s, or Bob Wayne or Six Gunn Brit or Rachel Brooke or Whitey Morgan or Dale Watson or Wayne the Train or . . .
You think Jamey Johnson has been to see any of these people? How about Waylon4ever? That small list has more talent than all of your Jamey Johnsons put together. I have my personal reasons to not like Jamey Johnson. Waylon4ever cannot accept that and that is his problem, not mine. He wanted to nitpick the blog and I wanted to show him where he was wrong. But hey. I ain’t lettin’ the bastards get me down. That’s some of the very best advice I got back in 1989.
October 1, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
Waylon4Ever,
I stand behind this article, it’s premise, and the way it was presented. It wasn’t just links, I clearly introduced both articles.
Well Nancy Dunham from The Boot had Merle Haggard cornered and answering questions
that appeared on examiner.com”™s Lexington site, in an extensive article about how the Grand Ole Opry is possibly shunning legends
And if you can’t see how when Merle was asked what defines an Outlaw and he starts talking about people from the past, and how today there’s “Grooming Schools” and see how that doesn’t relate to the “New Outlaw” crop, then I don’t know what to say. I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.
October 1, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
For me, this type of shit is why I’m more into the blues side of this music movement. So much nit-picking, arguing, debating, analyzing and all around bullshit on the country side. I mean, it is cool that most folks here are so passionate about the music and I suppose a lot of these back and forth comments are just stemming from the passion and love for this music.
Triggerman, I don’t even have to tell you but you know I love your site and have been coming here for a long time now. I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do.
I love this music but lately I’m just not interested in discussing it online because it usually seems to lead into an “I’m right, you’re wrong” battle.
October 1, 2010 @ 4:51 pm
I think this is a short term trend. There’s been a lot of polarizing stuff lately, the JTE stuff, the Jamey Johnson album, now this. It will change.
October 2, 2010 @ 8:34 am
Here here Triggerman, I appreciate all you do here on SCM. There’s been SO many great country releases this year that instead of focusing on what I don’t like it’s been easy to celebrate great REAL country music. And much of it I never would have heard of if it wasn’t for this site. Right now I got my Whitey Morgan countdown on, and I think we still have a Rachel Brooke album this year? Go Michigan!
October 2, 2010 @ 6:20 am
I hope its a short term trend. I’m not going anywhere, ’cause I get a lot out of this site. But all the bitchin and telling eachother to fuck off, just because there is different opinions, is ridiculous. I hope it doesn’t wear you out Triggerman. There is some good people here yet, that have interesting things to add.
ALL THE BANDS THAT WE CELBRATE HERE ARE COOL AS HELL TO TALK TO WHEN YOU SEE EM LIVE. THEY ARE ALWAYS APPROACHABLE AND APPRECIATIVE. IT WOULD BE NICE IF IT CARRIED OVER TO ALL THEIR FANS. AND NO I DON’T WANT TO SUCK THERE DICKS EITHER.
BROTHERS IN ARMS
October 1, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
Wow. If Waylon4ever was clinging any tighter to Jamey Johnson’s dick, he’d be his nuts.
Triggerman, this article kicked ass. Don’t let the bastards get ya down.
October 2, 2010 @ 8:43 am
Wow. Unreal what people will spin stuff to.
Trig, I have no issue with you. I can agree to disagree, I can agree to agree on various things.
Opinions are fine. I have said that time and time again. BUT people like Denise are not giving an opinion. They are making a statement of character. You can’t say someone is a sellout (Jamey, Hank, JTE, who eve…r) and not give one small grain of why you say that. That is BS. That has nothing to do with the music or this site. You call someone a sellout, you should have a basis for it and share it. If it is so personal you can’t share it, then it seems it would be more than selling out for music reasons.
Otherwise your just someone spewing shit from your mouth. Not to mention she tosses out an accusation of who she thinks I haven’t seen or listen too. Go ahead and assume cause your an ass already anyway.
And I am a fan of Jamey Johnson. But I am also a fan of many others on this site. I would have the same reaction and challenges if any of those folks names were in place of Jamey Johnson.
Owen…ah, intelligent aren’t you.
October 2, 2010 @ 11:16 am
“You can”™t say someone is a sellout (Jamey, Hank, JTE, who eve”¦r) and not give one small grain of why you say that. That is BS.”
Blahblahblah, nobody cares dude. You’re just in love with yourself. There is NO need for anyone to try to justify their opinions. Just like there is no reason for anyone to seek weight in others opinions, you either agree with em or you don’t.
October 2, 2010 @ 8:47 am
Honestly, all the bickering back and forth makes me not even want to comment on anything anymore. That’s not what I come here for.
Grow the fuck up, not everybody has to agree with the way you see things, but to start a goddamn comment battle on the internet about Jamey Johnson, on a article that had nothing to do with him, just shows how petty you are. Knock it the fuck off.
October 2, 2010 @ 3:36 pm
“but to start a goddamn comment battle on the internet about Jamey Johnson, on a article that had nothing to do with him, just shows how petty you are. Knock it the fuck off.”
and where did I do that? I am not the one constantly bringing up Jamey Johnson in this blog. Everyone else is. For some reason, people can’t have a discussion with me without bringing him up.
…and he was mentioned in the Opry article.
…saying you don’t like someone is an opinion. calling someone a sellout isn’t.
AGAIN….I am not arguing and challenging opinions. I am questioning claims that people are stating as fact.
October 2, 2010 @ 9:17 am
I hope Merle is feeling better. He cancelled his show here last month.
October 3, 2010 @ 3:31 pm
that is a great blog/article, and the comments are so many that I am not gonna add another one, just tell you I came back from a great Honor the Music I Love Trip of 9 days, and have seen everything I wanted,Hank III show Happy Tales, Nashville’s Country Hall Of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Ernest Tubbs Record Shop…
Memphis TN: Sun Studio, Beale Street…Walking in Memphis…
Montgomery AL: Hank Williams Museum, Hank Williams Grave, Joey Allcorn and Lauren who showed me around all the (unmarked) and few marked places that were important in Hank’s life, met the lady Mae who was in Honky Tonk Blues (talking about boarding house in the documentary…). I traveled parts with Greyhound bus, parts with friends. If you got some time, take a look at the Facebook album, the pictures tell the story.
I am still busy with organizing the pictures and videos. And I am still impressed by what I have seen and done, people I met… There are great places and folks where they HONOR THE MUSIC the right way, I am glad that I have seen it with my own eyes, Touched with my own hands…
October 3, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
I’m so happy for you Restless!
October 3, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
That’s awesome Restless!
January 12, 2016 @ 3:10 pm
merle doesn’t need the opry they need HIM nobody can touch him a lot have people have said he is just as important as hank sr i agree only difference is merle lived. i believe the opry is very unfair to certain artist my quess is jealousy why did they drop holly dunn? a fan in kelowna B.C Canada
January 24, 2016 @ 12:21 pm
Trigger, do you know the exact story on why Hank Jr. isn’t a member? I’ve asked Opry Historians and received mostly insufficient answers – guesses really. I haven’t been able to nail it down. I’m certain it has to do with his father. I’ve “heard” he was asked and declined but don’t have the details. I also know at different times Hank Jr. has had varying responses to the Reinstate Hank effort. Any thoughts?
January 24, 2016 @ 1:35 pm
Hey Adam,
I really don’t have a definitive story of why Hank Jr. is not an Opry member, though I’ve heard many of the same rumors you probably have. What I can say for certain is he does support Reinstate Hank. I know he wore a Reinstate Hank T-Shirt to an acoustic performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame a few years back, and last week he had some disparaging remarks about the Opry in regards to not showing Sr. respect in a Rolling Stone Country piece.
March 15, 2016 @ 10:05 am
The fact that Hank Sr. is not in the Opry says more about the Opry than anyone or anything else. Regardless of whether or not they ever “reinstate Hank”, he is still always gonna be HANK.
April 7, 2021 @ 5:18 pm
Read this on Merle’s birthday (his 84th)…RIP Mighty Merle….. I don’t think Merle cared for the way Hank Sr. was shunned and never reinstated to the Opry…..they wanted him to dry up and stop drinking…. who the hell are they? Where do they think those great songs came from? You have to live life to write like he did….Hag lived life and sang about it…..The Opry has a great tradition, the ones who do it “their way” don’t really fit and I don’t really want them to! God Bless Merle and others who did it their way!