Radio ... and Me - 7

The ‘Grand Ole Opry,’ the longest-running radio program in history, just celebrated its 85th anniversary. It was launched in late November, 1925, as the ‘WSM Barn Dance’, on Clear Channel, W-S-M, 650, Nashville.
The program is still on the air, from 6 p.m. to midnight, every Saturday night, and portions are presented on TV.

On paper, the plan looks simple:
It is produced in 30-minute segments, each with a different sponsor and host. The show follows much the same formula: beginning with the off-stage announcer introducing the host, who sings his/her greatest song, then introduces a singer, then an up-and-coming singer, a big-selling song by the host, with pauses for commercial messages by the announcer, then thanks, a closing song, with an instrumental to fill.
Folks who have experienced the show from backstage have described the scene as ‘utter chaos,’ with musicians -- each singer brings his/her own band, unless the house band is pressed into service-- roaming to / from dressings rooms, and the stage crew setting up or taking down sets, cables, props, drum sets, etc..
On the air, and in the hall, it all sounds tight and holds the rapt attention of a fanatic audience.

One local musician of note, Cape Bretoner John Allan Cameron, played the ‘Opry’ on a guest-shot in the 1970s. Attired in his trademark kilt and playing his 12-string guitar, he was adored by the country music fans, who couldn’t get enough of his music and kept demanding encores!

Here are some of the famous long-time program hosts,
-- Roy Acuff, singer, fiddler, and promoter, known as the ‘King of Country Music,’ with his band, the ‘Smoky Mountain Boys.’ He would sometimes perform tricks with a yo-yo, when the next act was slow getting ready.
-- Little Jimmy Dickens, aptly-named, at 4' 11", wore flashy rhinestone suits, and an over-size cowboy hat. His career began in 1950, and he is still making videos.
-- Porter Wagoner, often hosted the prime-time, 9 p.m. segment. Quoted in a tribute site,
... his grand showmanship, his rhinestone suits, his loyalty to the Grand Ole Opry, his TV leadership, his championing of Dolly Parton, his unique singing voice, his exquisite recitations, his songwriting, and especially, his record production, have all culminated in the legacy that is Porter Wagoner.
High praise, indeed!
-- Bill Anderson, a.k.a., ‘Whispering Bill,’ who had a flurry of hits, later became entrepreneur owner of many successful radio stations.
-- Marty Robbins, whose prolific composing / singing career also stretched nearly four decades.
His set was often the ‘closer,’ at 11:30 p.m., and since the ‘curfew’ sounded at midnight, Robbins sometimes used the elaborate ‘turn- the-clock-back’ act, to continue the show!

Last summer, much of the Nashville area suffered heavy flooding and the ‘Opry’ building and stage were damaged. The show had to go on from another site for a number of months. However, the stage was saved and refurbished with great craftsmanship, and the ‘Opry’ triumphantly reopened in its regular setting just a few weeks ago.