Questions & Answers with
the Q & A Lady

Dear Tami,

Taylor Swift first played the Opry on Friday, September 1, 2006, just as her debut single “Tim McGraw” was really starting to take off at country radio. I remember her record label hosted a Labor Day picnic that afternoon, and a few of us went down for a free burger and some chips. Taylor was standing at a table about ten feet from us, and I remember saying to my table, “that’s that new girl Taylor Swift who is on the Opry for the first time tonight.” We could have walked right up to her and said, “Hi Taylor!” or “Looking forward to your debut tonight, Taylor!” or “will you sign my napkin?” or “could you get me some ketchup?,” but we just let her enjoy her lunch, never dreaming she would in three years be the top-selling artist in country music, hosting “Saturday Night Live,” and gracing the cover of hundreds of magazines.

Others on the Opry that night were Mr. Steve Wariner, The Whites, and the Bellamy Brothers. So did you win the bet, Tami?

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Russell,

Unless I'm missing something (I'm missing a lot of things these days, but I digress), you probably heard that song in 1980 rather than in the '60s. "Tequila Sheila" was a Top 40 hit for Bobby Bare in 1980, 16 years after Bare took a song about another lady, "Marie Laveau," to the very top of the charts. The lyrics to "Sheila" are below.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Pour me another Tequila Sheila,
Take off that red satin dress
I cross the border and I beat the dealer
For all the damn gold in Juarez.

I feel like old Pancho Villa, Sheila
And sure could use a friend (I got Peso to spend)
So pour me another Tequila Sheila
And lay down n' love me again.

Though I can tell you about it
But don't mind my gun by the bed
I feel kind of naked without it
And it eases the fear in my head.

Just pass me the salt n' the lemon
Bend down n' blow out the light
I never had trusted the woman
But Sheila I'll trust you tonight.

Chorus:
Pour me another Tequila Sheila
Take off that red satin dress
I cross the border and I beat the dealer
Dor all the damn gold in Juarez.

I feel like old Pancho Villa, Sheila
And sure could use a friend (I got Peso to spend)
So pour me another Tequila Sheila,
And lay down n' love me again..

Sheila I'm hearing your heart beat
But I'm hearing footsteps outside
The courtyard is crawling with damn federalists
And Sheila there's no place to hide.

I don't know who could have tipped them
nobody knew but you
But I can't make love to a squealer, Sheila
So I guess there's just one thing to do.

Pour me another Tequila Sheila.
I'm gonna put on your red dress, you put on my cloths
You go out and face the dealer
And Sheila, I wish you the best.

I feel like old Pancho Villa, Sheila
I need a fast horse and a friend
So pour me another Tequila Sheila
And I'll ride towards the border again...

Dear Donna,

First of all, congratulations on your use of the word “Poppaw.” Secondly, you can write to your long lost relative (and any Opry member) at

You might want to wish Jimmy a happy 61st Opry Anniversary and a happy 89th birthday. Both are coming up before the end of the year!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear William,

I’m a sucker for a cute bartender and I love a good country jukebox. Unfortunately for the two of us, I didn’t make it to Traverse City during your tenure behind the bar. I had a tenure behind the bar once, but only for about five minutes in 1958. I beleive my tenure’s name was Gus, but I digress. The song you’re longing to hear from a good pair of speakers again is “Motels And Memories,” the fourth chart hit for our buddy T.G. Sheppard. T.G. took your tune into the Top 10 in 1975.

Here’s to you making that song a part of your life again and to all the motels and memories (and motel memories!) out there.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Ron,

Your tune is actually titled “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma,” and it was a hit for David Frizzell (younger brother of country Hall of Famer Lefty Frizzell) and SHELLY West (proud daughter of Dottie West) in January, 1981. David had never wished his was above number 30 on the charts in his ten-plus years of looking for a hit, and Shelly had not hit the charts at all when the tune went all the way to number one in 1981. The song plus duet hits including “Texas State of Mind” and “I Just Came Here to Dance” earned the two CMA Vocal Duo of the year honors in 1981 and 1982. It also launched the partners’ solo recordings up the charts. Frizzell hit number one with “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home” in 1982, while it wasn’t wine but rather tequila that did the trick for West. She rode a bottle of “Jose Cuervo” to the top of the charts the next year. I’ll never forget the day I woke up next to Vince “Mr. Wonderful” Gill and quoted my favorite line from Shelly’s alcohol-infused tune: “he’s awful cute, but how’d I get his shirt on? I had too much tequila last night.” OK, I made that Vince Gill part up, but the rest is the country music truth if I ever told it.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Charles,

Thanks for the kind words. I have equally nice things to say about my jaunt across the pond to your lovely city of Edinburgh several years ago. Best fish and chips of my life! You can befriend Little Jimmy here: http://www.myspace.com/oldcoldtater. Among his standards are “Take An Old Cold Tater (And Wait),” “Country Boy,” “A-Sleepin’ at the Foot of the Bed,” and “May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.”

I mean it when I say that Jimmy is respected and beloved not only at the Opry, but throughout the entire country music community. He is country royalty, and I’m glad you got to witness the magic of a night at the Opry with him on stage.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Terri,

Allow me to compliment you on your taste in men. I have loved Jon Randall’s voice for years, and I do believe you have correctly pegged him as a nice guy. I have each of his CD’s and distinctly recall him singing his haunting composition “Whiskey Lullaby” (penned with Bill Anderson) on the Opry at the Ryman stage just a few days after it was named CMA Song of the Year in New York City. My night of nights is when he collaborates on stage with another favorite, Mr. Sam Bush. Catch those two together, Terri, and you have yourself a night of music you won’t soon forget. I am headed to the Loveless Barn just outside of Nashville in a couple of weeks to see Sam tear it up. I say hit the road from Michigan and celebrate the fall season and some great tunes with me there.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Rita,

Some songs are just like that— they feel familiar from the first time you hear them, even if it’s your first listen. You couldn’t have heard the song as a child, as it was written not too terribly long ago by Austin singer/songwriter Kevin Fowler and Kim Tribble. Fowler performed it in shows and released it himself in 2007. (So maybe you’ve heard his version somewhere down the line?) Fowler has had cuts in the past by the likes of Mark Chesnutt and Sammy Kershaw. Tribble, meanwhile also wrote the Top 5 single which preceded “Long Line” on the charts, “There’s One In Every Crowd.” Tribble has heard his works recorded by everyone from Shania Twain to Gary Allan, not to mention Opry boys Eddie and Troy.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Kathy,

The Carol Lee Singers consist today of Carol Lee Cooper, Norah Lee Allen, Rod Fletcher, and Dennis McCall. All of the singers in the group have rich histories and musical pedigrees, but only Carol Lee, herself, can claim to be the daughter of two Opry members. Father Stoney (1918 – 1977) and mother Wilma Lee (1921 - ) along with their group the Clinch Mountain Clan were Opry favorites for years, performing a mix of mountain music, bluegrass, and gospel including tunes such as “Big Midnight Special,” “This Ole House,” and “There’s A Big Wheel.” Opry family The Whites covered “Big Wheel” on their 2008 gospel album with Ricky Skaggs, and I get a real kick out watching Carol Lee sing along to that one when The Whites perform it these days on the Opry stage.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Good question, Sean. As Trace Adkins says in the Opry’s pre-show video: “it’s a pretty elite fraternity.” There are less than 70 Opry members on the current roster. I’m inclined to wonder if the persons who are telling you you’ll never make it are doing so after they’ve heard you sing. If so, I might have to agree with them. But you never know. Everyone loves a can-do story, Sean. Maybe you could have the “Rudy” story of country music.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

How do I dress for a night at the Opry? Well, Lynette, that all depends. More often than not I wear a simple dress of some kind. I, like everyone else, I presume, have my favorite articles of clothing and seem to wear them over and over. Sometimes I like to liven the solid prints I wear with a broach of some kind to add just a little sparkle. A scarf around the neck says, “this ole gal might just be more than meets the eye,” so I add one of those nine nights out of ten, too. Since I am cold-natured, I often wear a sweater, as well. –A summer sweater in June, July, and August, and a thick wool sweater in the cool/cold months. And for those special nights when Mr. Wonderful Vince Gill is on the show, I’ll wear whatever it takes to help me shed about 40 years and an equal number of pounds.

As for you and everyone else, there is no right or wrong when it comes to Opry fashion. We just want you to relax and have a great time.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

I somehow missed Love and Theft when they were on, but the folks around the office said they really enjoyed their performance, as it appears you did, as well. I’m delighted you made it to the Opry. I’ve only been to Nebraska once, but I liked it there, too. I’ve always thought I could be happy in Nebraska, Kansas, or Oklahoma. Flat lands, good people.

You can listen to past Opry performances in the archive section of www.wsmonline.com, usually within a week or so of the live broadcast.

Enjoy, and please come back soon.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Trevor,

I did not know of Louie Roberts, but I did find some information on him online. It appears that he has moved on from appearing on television with Porter from West Plains, Missouri to spreading the news of Jesus of Nazareth. He began a guitar ministry program a few years ago and performs with his family, students, and others in churches across the South. Click here for his bio.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Charles,

I can’t be absolutely sure that you’re thinking of “San Antonio Stroll” by the Texas Tornado, herself, Ms. Tanya Tucker, but that’s the closest song I can think of meeting your description. Take a listen to ole Tanya and let me know if that’s the tune that’s been driving you nuts and keeping you up at night. (And readers, if you have any better ideas, please share with ole Charles and me!) I loved the tune when it hit the top of the charts in 1975, and I still crank up the volume when it’s played on 650 WSM today. The lyrics that clued me in to the fact that it might be your song, Charles, follow below:

When I was a child down in South Caroline
Soon as Saturday sun went on down.
My folks and sister would go and leave me home all alone,
Going to that big square dance in town.
Well my old radio would play that old opry show,
So I never got lonesome or blue.
I'd fall asleep in my chair and dream that I was right there,
Just singing the whole night through.
When my folks would come home, they'd be humming a song,
Mama'd smile and say: "Child, don't you know,
"There ain't a thing in this world to make you fall in love girl,
"Like the San Antonio Stroll?"

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hello Laura and Billy. Yes, Little Jim is currently the oldest of our Opry members. He's 88 years old, and some of my favorite Jimmy jokes begin, "you'll know you’re 88 when…" Vince Gill and Josh Turner are fun to look at, but Jimmy Dickens has my heart and he always will. As he said in Brad Paisley's video, "chicks dig rhinestones." This old chick will be in the front row of any Jimmy Dickens cheering section anytime, anywhere.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Chanda,

How fun that you will not only be at the Opry this weekend, but you’ll also be able to visit backstage. You guessed correctly—-my advice on backstage etiquette is quite simple: If you see me in the arms of Mr. Wonderful Vince Gill (he just confirmed for this Friday night, you know), back the hell off! And if you see Mr. Wonderful trying to make tracks away from me, the three most important words I have for you are stall, stall, stall!

In all seriousness, Chanda, my advice would be to just sit back and soak it all in. More often than not, I just sail through the backstage and find a seat out front. When I do walk the backstage halls, I find a simple “hello” to the artists on that night’s show is appreciated more than anything. There’s a whole lot of history and excitement to be seen backstage during a show or anytime, for that matter. I am particularly fascinated by the Opry House mailboxes and the color photos that line the hallway. I hope you have the time of your life.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Helen,

What an interesting question! You’re right, Loretta and Patsy were dear friends. Jan Howard tells a great story about the night she met Patsy Cline at the Ryman Auditorium. Even Barbara Mandrell— who would have just been in her early teens at the time—- has some wonderful things to share about having shared a room with Patsy on the road. But I have not heard such tales from Miss Dolly. Since Dolly did not move to Nashville until the day after her high school graduation in 1964 and since Patsy left us all too early in March 1963, I believe the two would have met only in passing, if at all.

If any dear readers can fill me in, I always appreciate hearing from you. And just to dream for a moment, can you imagine the fun we would have all had watching Dolly and Patsy together on a stage? Wow. I’m not sure who I would have been amazed by the most. I love them both and I always will.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Leo,

Since your question is about the 1920’s, I took it to a person much older and wiser than me. She tells me that Kitty Cora Cline did not sing but actually played the hammer dulcimer.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear David,

How I treat retired vets is between a fellow named Jack Henson and myself! He wasn’t retired at the time, mind you, but if he was 30 years old back then, he’d be more than 70 by now, so I’m fairly certain that wherever he is, he’s retired. I appreciate the efforts of our veterans more than I can say and try to put my money and time where my mouth is and support veteran causes as much as I can. (Of course 40 years ago my mouth was on Jack’s lips, but I digress.)

Though the true lyrics don’t match those which you’ve written exactly, I’m pretty sure you’re thinking of the song “I’ll Wait For You” recorded by the great vocalist Joe Nichols. Some of the lyrics of the song penned by prolific Opry star Bill Anderson and Harley Allen are written below.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hi Cindy,

Bring that two-year-old along and let him or her sit in your lap. We love it when children are introduced to some good Opry music. I've been trying to sit in Vince Gill's lap out here for years, and I'm two plus seventy-some odd years! I'd spring for a ticket of my own if I thought Vince would sit in my lap.

Enjoy the show and thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Joshua,

Each Opry member is given an Opry member award as a tangible symbol of his or her relationship with the Opry. The award was first given to Brad Paisley on the evening of his February 2001 induction. You can read more about Opry membership here: http://www.opry.com/MeetTheOpry/Members.aspx

The boys in Montgomery Gentry should be clearing off their mantel. They'll be receiving one on June 23 when they're inducted as the newest members of the Opry!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Stephen,

Though that wasn’t really a question per say, I thought I respond with my thoughts that in my mind, country music—much like life—is one big circle. When the Opry started in the 1920s, its stars wore overalls and farm clothes. Then sharp dressed men like Jimmy Dickens and Webb Pierce came along and offered a fresh new look with their Nudie suits and rhinestone-studded attire. Yes, Barbara Mandrell looked classy in the 70s, but during that same time period Willie Nelson was making a fashion statement of his own with his red bandana, tennis shoes, and long hair. When I was growing up, there was a gentleman’s clothing store which advertised with the phrase, “where the clothes make the man.” I’ve always remembered that phrase and thought how applicable it is to country’s artists. Often, the artists’ clothes match their music. I think it is perfectly fitting that they all have their own styles, from those who dress only in formal wear on stage to those who appear in jeans in which I might be more likely to be found mowing the lawn. And of course many artists’ styles go through changes as their careers live on. But I’m here to tell you that I enjoyed Dottie West singing “Here Comes My Baby” whether she was in gingham or spandex. I’d rather see Alan Jackson sing “Gone Country” in cowboy boots and a comfortable shirt than a tux.

Finally, let us not forget that Barbara Mandrell’s signature song includes the lyric, “I was wearin’ straight-leg Levi’s, flannel shirts even when they weren’t in style.”

To each his own, says I, as long as the music is great.

Thanks for commenting,
The Q & A Lady.

Good question, Hoyles! When the Ryman was built in 1892, there was no balcony area in the building. That area is knows as the Confederate Gallery because it was constructed for former Confederate soldiers in Nashville for the Confederate Veterans Association reunion of Summer 1897. The most momentous thing anyone’s ever done when I group with which I am associated has visited is when they opened the private dining room just to the right of the buffet at Shoney’s when my garden club went calling. Mmmmmm, hash browns!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hi Judy,

Ricky Van announced his retirement a couple of years ago, cancelled some of the tour dates he had on the books, and moved home to Virginia to be around his family as well as his wife’s kinfolk. We drove near his homeland on our way to the Presidential inauguration in January, and I’m here to tell you that Ricky Van finds himself in some very lovely surroundings these days. Those green mountains and lush valleys are just gorgeous, and I love the cadence with which persons in that region speak. I’d love to head back this summer, if possible.

Find yourself a good classic country station and request your Ricky Van favorite, says I.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hello Big Joe,

One of my favorite people of all time (not just country stars or Opry members, but PEOPLE) is now the Opry’s oldest living member. That’s Jimmy Dickens, who will turn 89 in December. I absolutely love that guy, as does everyone here at the Opry. And my favorite Jimmy Dickens joke changes just like the weather. I’ve heard them all so many times, but they still make me smile. Last night I actually laughed out loud (and very loudly, I might add) at his gem that ends with the punchline, “Thanks, Doc! Now I know what I did with my hearing aid!”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Linda,

That tune was a 1983 release by the “First Lady of Country Music,” Ms. Tammy Wynette, who died 11 years ago this month. While not one of Wynette’s many, many smash records, you can still find it as a downloadable track or on the collection “Tears of Fire: The 25th Anniversary Collection.”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Luann,

First of all, I just love your name. I love the way Hank Hill says “LuAnne” on the TV show “King of the Hill,” as well. A LuAnn was my favorite travel agent years ago when I spent a little time in Great Britain. And speaking of foreign countries, I guess I should answer your question before I get myself replaced, huh? Two foreign-born persons have become Opry members: Stu Phillips and Terri Clark, both natives of your neighbor to the East, Canada. Phillips became an Opry member in 1967. To this day, he holds himself so well on the Opry stage. Clark will celebrate her fifth Opry anniversary on June 12 this year.

I have to tell you, I must agree with you on the saucy Aussie, Mr. Urban. I’m not sure what it is about his sound this ole gal loves so much, but she sure does. I think the Opry could use a little more Australian accent with its Southern twang.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Teri,

Bring your little tike along to sit on your lap. We love to see kids at the Opry. I just returned from having watched Taylor Swift on stage tonight, and it was absolutely phenomenal to feel the energy in the room of all the young girls and guys singing along to her music and squealing as she approached their side of the stage. When I closed my eyes, for a moment I felt like I was 13 again. OK, you got me. I felt like I was 76 again. But even that felt good. And my back didn’t hurt nearly as much, either.

Thanks for asking.
The Q & A Lady

Dear Michael,

Your co-worker must be a lot like me—always right! Elvis played the Opry one time, October 2, 1954. He performed Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Though he was nervous about how Monroe would react to his souped-up version on the song, Elvis was pleasantly surprised when the bluegrass icon complimented his interpretation. Though it is widely reported that Elvis was told by Opry management not to quit his day job (he was driving a truck at the time) those same managers later denied such a thing. (And who wouldn’t? That’d be like someone tasting a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and saying, “have mercy. These things will never sell!)

Congratulate your co-worker for me. Me thinketh you oweth him something from the vending machine. A peanut butter and banana concoction of some kind in honor of the King, perhaps.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Colin,

My friends at Marty Stuart’s office tell me that he and Connie do not have plans to return to the Emerald Isle at this point. I don’t blame you for wondering, and I wouldn’t blame them for plotting a return. After all, Marty and Connie are both dynamic entertainers, and your homeland is breathtaking in its landscapes and absolutely captivating in terms of its people. I do see that Pam Tillis is scheduled to visit your city later this month (4/19). She sings a great traditional country song, Colin. Give me a little “Spilled Perfume” and covers of a couple of her daddy’s tunes and I’m set. And in terms of just a great concert experience, I wish I could go with you to see Bruce Springsteen there in July. There were a whole slew of country singers and songwriters in the crowd when The Boss played Nashville in August. One of my young friends (Jessica is 1/3 my age—keeps me young to hang with the whippersnapper crowd every once in a while) and I had seats near Gary Burr (writer of such hits as “Sure Love” and “What Mattered Most”) and Victoria Shaw (“The River’). Just go for the experience of it all. You’ll be glad you did.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hello Pat,

Thanks so much for coming to visit us at the Opry and for taking one of our Picture History Books off our hands! Your question is easily the question I am most frequently asked. In fact, of the last ten questions I’ve looked over, three of them have been on the “why isn’t George Strait an Opry member” topic. I answer this question every year or so, but since kind folks like you keeps asking, I guess I’ll keep answering.

As noted here on opry.com, (http://www.opry.com/MeetTheOpry/Members.aspx) there is no magic formula one must have to become an Opry member. One thing that has to be present, however, is a commitment to the Opry and to performing on the Opry stage from time to time. Though the Opry members and Opry fans alike love George Strait and his music, (my personal favorite Strait tunes include “Amarillo By Morning,” “You Know Me Better Thant That,” and “Run” and span three decades) George gets to Nashville so rarely that he hasn’t taken a lot of chances to play the Opry. But let the record show, Pat, that the door is open for the great singer to appear on the Opry any time. How open, you ask? Wide open! In fact, I’d bet the butterfly broach my nephew and his wife gave me for Christmas that if George Strait wanted to play the Opry on a day we didn’t even have a show scheduled we’d get one put together pretty darn quickly.

Here’s hoping he will come join us on the Opry someday soon. He doesn’t even have to commit to singing one of my favorites!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Marty,

That’s one of my favorite country story songs of the past ten years. The tune is called “Riding With Private Malone,” and it hit the Top 5 for David Ball in the fall of 2001 following the year’s September 11th terrorist attacks. In one of those classic “that could only happen in Nashville” circumstances, I had the pleasure of watching one of the song’s co-writers, young Thom Shepherd, sing “Malone” in a little Gaylord Opryland Resort club on the very evening in which he’d learned Ball was planning to cut the song. I felt like a little part of me was also a part of the song, and was a cheerleader for it as it scaled the charts.

Shepherd has since had more songwriting success, including the No. 1 “Redneck Yacht Club” for Opry member Craig Morgan. David Ball drops by the Opry every once in a while, and I always love when he includes “Riding With Private Malone” in his Opry set list. It’s right up there with “Midnight In Montgomery,” “the Ride,” and “Phantom 309” on my “favorite country songs about ghosts” list.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Ian,

It’d be a crime to come from Scotland and not see an Opry show, but if you’re only here on the 15th and 16th (a Sunday and Monday), I’m afraid that’ll be the case. Opry shows are currently on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and the new Opry Country Classics show debuts March 26. The good news is the Opry House is open for tours seven days a week, though the schedule might vary once in a while due to other activities taking place in the Opry House. You should consider a tour, Ian. You’ll visit Studio A, home to the show “Hee Haw” for years, take a peek in an Opry House dressing room, and more. Plus you’ll hear some great Opry stories, likely from one of my fellow staffers who has seen and heard many a great Opry Moment his or her self.

Enjoy the tour, and the next time you make a trip across the pond, be sure you’re here on an Opry night. Nothing like it in Scotland or anywhere else in the world.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Angela,

First of all, there is NO BAD TIME to visit the Grand Ole Opry. Second of all, yes, the 4th of July is a great time to visit the home of America’s music! Since you’re an Okie, I will fully expect you to stand up and sing along if “Okie From Muskogee” is sung on the 4th as it was last year. I just love when music from different regions of the country are performed on Independence Day or when famous spots on the U.S. roadmap are called out in song that weekend. --Gives me just as many goose bumps as watching the national telecast of “Stars and Stripes Forever” being played while fireworks illuminate the Washington Monument!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear David,

I can relate, except it seems it is more than just my memory that fails me these days. My mind failed me the other day when I locked myself out of the house in below freezing temperatures. My ankle failed me walking out to the storage shed in the backyard on Sunday. And I simply fail to find most things funny on TV anymore.

Dottie’s terribly tragic story is told in the Bob Oermann book “Behind The Grand Ole Opry Curtain: Tales of Love and Tragedy at the Grand Ole Opry.” Just when Dottie was putting the proverbial pieces back together after she lost most of her belongings to the IRS, she lost her life after an accident en route to the Opry House for a performance. Opry fans held their breath in the days following West’s accident, hoping for a miracle. But the “Country Sunshine” singer’s injuries were simply too severe and she died on September 4, 1991.

Maybe one day this summer I’ll take a leisurely drive down Dottie West Memorial Highway in West’s hometown of McMinnville, Tennessee. With tunes like “Country Sunshine,” “Here Comes My Baby,” and “Last Time I Saw Him” blaring and the windows down, I think Dottie would be pleased.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Marla,

I have always wanted to visit Hannibal, but have never had the pleasure. I volunteered not far from there in the great Mississippi River flood of summer 1993, but we didn’t make it up to Hannibal. Someday I’ll read a couple of Twain novels and head in your direction. As a rule, I tend to like folks from Missouri.

Like me, you probably remember Wendy Holcombe as the banjo-playing teen on the syndicated Jim Ed Brown show “Nashville on the Road.” Wendy was discovered at age 12 on a weekend trip to Nashville and had played the Opry before she turned 13. She died of an enlarged heart in her early 20s. Valentine’s Day will mark the 22nd anniversary of her all-too-early death.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Ira,

You nailed the name of the song. It is included in the CD project “Love Never Fails” by Smith, White, and Fairchild, known individually as the lovely Miss Connie and her dear friends Sharon White and Barbara Fairchild. The CD was released on August 12, 2003. I was honored to be among the invited guests at the release party for the CD held in the Opry House’s Studio A. I have two words for you about that event, Ira: Good cookies. Darn good cookies.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Larry,

Ah, yes, you are quite safe in saying I’m a Vince and Josh fan. I’m holding my Valentine’s Day open for either of them. And I have to say I’d do the same for your boy, Ferlin, too. Now there’s an entertainer. One of my favorite nights at the Opry House in recent years was at a show celebrating the 100th anniversary of the local musicians union. Willie Nelson was on the show that night, as were Ray Price, Brenda Lee, and a bevy of others I loved. But in my eyes, it was Ferlin who stole the show that night with his clap-along version of “Wings of a Dove.” He doesn’t make his way to Nashville too much these days, it seems, but a check of his website tells me he’ll be doing two shows in Texas in March. Wanna meet me in the Lone Star state this spring, Larry? I’m a cheap date, I swear. Give me Ferlin’s tunes and a tall cold one or two, and I’m happy.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dearest Donnie,

The Opry moved back to the Ryman for one weekend in 1999, the first time the Ryman hosted an Opry performance since 1974. That weekend was a tremendous success, and the Opry has visited the Ryman for at least a month every winter since. The move to the Ryman allows folks who might not have been around for the Opry's first Ryman run to play a part in country music history. Of course both the Ryman and the Opry House have their own distinct advantages. For instance, I say no one can top the world-famous Opry Dog served up at the Opry House. Extra mustard for me, please.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Michelle,

First of all, congratulations to your Arizona Cardinals. What a post-season! My fellow Titans fans and I will have to live vicariously through you and your Cardinals as long as that lasts for you, I suppose. As they say in the sports pubs around Wrigley field every fall, “we’ll get ‘em next year.”

I have been wrong before and I’m counting on other readers to correct me if there’s another song out there you’re thinking of, but my educated guess is the song on your mind is one by BJ Thomas. Called “Two Car Garage,” I enjoyed the tune as it was going up the charts in the winter of 1983/84, eventually landing at No. 3. I’ve pulled some of the lyrics below so you can see if that’s the song you heard way back when. If so, you can still find it on Thomas’ compilation CDs along with some of those other great, smooth songs he cut back in the 70s and 80s.

“. . . A two car garage

And a two story house

And a couple of kids

We can brag about

Give me a two-toned Chevrolet

And too many bills to pay

And your two arms

Too make me happy living that way . . .”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Michael,

Greetings from across the pond! First of all, I need to apologize to faithful readers who have read a past post from me about this song. It seems there is a soft spot in this ole gal’s heart for the song I’m sure you heard, “Teddy Bear,” and I can’t resist talking about it again. I was just discussing the finer points of the composition with cool singer/songwriter/honky tonker Chuck Mead on a flight home from Chicago a couple of week’s before the holidays. The tune, a 1976 No. 1 smash for storytelling great Red Sovine, tells the story of a wheelchair-bound fatherless child who dreams of one last ride in a big rig. Lord have mercy, Michael, the tears begin to roll down my cheeks when Sovine gets to the part where his mom gets on the CB to thank all the truckers who gave her son rides around the block. The lyrics go:

Breaker 1-9
…Came a voice on the air
Just one word of thanks
From Mama Teddy Bear
We wish each and every one
A special prayer for you
Cause, You just made my little boy's
Dream come true
I'll sign off now
Before I start to cry
May God ride with ya
10-4
And goodbye.

Just reading the words above and hearing that tear in Sovine’s voice on the word “cry” brings me to my knees, Michael!

Thanks for asking, 10-4 . . . and goodbye.
The Q & A Lady

Dear Ron, 

That’s quite a list here at the holidays! Dickey Lee is very much still involved in the music business. I saw him just the other day at a luncheon, and he was looking happy and healthy and wearing a great big smile.  

I reported on Dottsy as still performing in her native Texas a year or so ago and heard afterwards from several of her fans who said they very much enjoy her shows. More often than not, there is an Opry connection with almost any country artist you might mention. A Dottsy connection is that her 1970’s hit “It Should’ve Been Easy” is performed quite often today on the Opry stage by The Whites. I love to hear Buck’s piano as well as Sharon, Cheryl, and Rosie’s harmonies on that tune.  

I have not had the good fortune of knowing Don King personally, but he still writes and works in Nashville. You may or may not now that in addition to his own chart success, he helped pen big hits for others including “Why Do We Want What We Know We Can’t Have” for Reba McEntire as well as “You Don’t Know Love” for Janie Fricke. 

Bandana: Though I am afraid I don’t have the scoop on all the members of Bandana, which disbanded more than 20 years ago now, I can tell you that drummer Jerry Ray Johnston plays for Opry member Jeannie Seely and is an all-around good guy. Guitarist Tim Mensy has had songwriting success, as well, penning “ She Dreams” for Mark Chesnutt and “the Grandpa That I Know” for Opry star Patty Loveless. I met Mensy and his wife at the Opry several years ago and last saw him dining at the Sportsman’s Grill in Nashville’s Hillsboro Village, where I can’t get enough of their fried pickles. Mensy had a short country recording career on Columbia and Giant Records that included one of my all-time favorite tunes, “That’s Good.” The song’s premise was that a fellow was talking to his buddies, sharing details about a new ladyfriend he’d met. Mensy would deliver a line such as, “I stumbled like a fool” to which his friends would answer “that’s bad.” Mensy would then retort, “no, she thought it was cute,” to which his buddies would reply in unison, “that’s good.” It was an innocent little song I still listen to every once in a while to this day. I had a nephew who reported the tune made a good drinking song, as some folks were to drink on “that’s bad” while others were to drink on “that’s good.” Never one to take sides, I would have probably drank for both “that’s bad” and “that’s good” and ended up feeling really, really sick the next morning. Now that’s bad. That’s unmistakably bad! 

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Keith,

Sylvia has not appeared on the Opry in some time—to the best of my recollection, I’d say 10 years. The 1982 ACM Top Female Vocalist known for slick tunes such as the two you cited as well as her first no. 1, “Drifter”, and “Heart on the Mend” continues to reside in Nashville singing and writing music. She released a very pretty Christmas album a few years ago.

Additionally, I have seen her name listed in local continuing education catalogs as a life coach and instructor in courses with titles such as “Finding Your Voice.” I have always thought it would be slightly humorous to enroll in such a class and raise my hand on the first day, saying, “Miss Sylvia, sometimes I feel like such a NOBODY.” Get it, Keith? Nobody? Yeah, I know, it’s not that funny, which is why I haven’t enrolled. 

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Paul,

Sometimes we wish we had things on tape that are not on tape, and sometimes we are delighted that our exploits were not recorded for posterity. While my little tumble down three steps after a cocktail in the Crowne Plaza Lake Oswego in your home state falls in the latter category, Judge Hay giving our beloved Opry its moniker falls in the former category. I do a mean Judge Hay, Paul, but it’s just not the same. By the way, the WSM Barn Dance, as it was originally called, was actually around a little longer before being named the Opry than you indicated in your question. Hay first called the show the “Grand Ole Opry” in December 1927. There were radio listings in the newspaper for the “Grand Ole Opry” the very next week.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Oh Knowledgeable One? Wow, I haven’t been addressed so kindly in years! My friend Dorothy Ann called me “Oh Grizzled One” during a hard-fought game of UNO a couple of weeks ago, and I don’t even want to know what the young man in the Taurus on Gallatin Road called me after I accidentally cut him off the the other day, but “Oh Knowledgeable One”—gosh I’m on cloud nine.

It sounds as if you are almost as excited about “Opry Country Classics” as I am, John! I truly do believe that’s going to be a can’t-miss show for longtime fans like us, as well as for folks in from out of town who might be only familiar with some of the biggest songs in the history of the genre. –Songs like “Ring of Fire,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and others we know by heart and will surely hear quite often on the Classics show. My dream show would include “Pancho & Lefty,” “The End of the World,” “I Fall to Pieces,” The Three Bells,” “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” “Walkin’ The Floor Over You,”  . . . oh, who am I kidding? I can’t name all my favorites, John. I’ll love almost any Classics show you throw at me, I’m sure. Someday I’ll have to venture back up to Owensboro and discuss our favorite songs and artists over a big plate of pulled pork and banana pudding at Moonlite Barbecue. I love that place! If I were you, I’d take advantage of your location in Owensboro and head there tomorrow!

You can bet your bottom dollar that the Grand Ole Opry will continue to feature the new stars, superstars, and legends of country music every Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday in 2009 and beyond. Not a single worry there.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Ray,

When you say “the show,” you are referring to the CMA Awards telecast. If you really want to know why the new class of Country Music Hall of Famers are not introduced on that show any more, my short answer is “things change.” I’m not opposed to change, Roy, just the change I don’t like— and this change fits in that category. If you asked other folks your question, you’d get other answers, but I’m going to shoot straight and call this one like this ole gal sees it from her straight chair and from behind her reading glasses.

In a nutshell: the Country Music Association is delighted that its awards show is broadcast on a major television network, as we should all be. The networks are almost exclusively focused are drawing in young viewers that fit the demographic targeted by the companies which buy advertising. The powers that be at those networks tend to think that fairly long speeches by an artist who has been in the country music business at least 25 years might not be of interest to the younger audience. And I have to tell ya, Roy, they are likely on to something. While this year’s telecast featured only a very brief mention of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, the ratings for the show among the coveted younger audience were up year over year.

Still, you and me and thousands and thousands of others like us remember fondly the days when we could sit at home or in the crowd at the show, itself, and watch some of the most important people in the history of country music be completely humbled by the presentation of country music’s highest honor. I remember Loretta jumping into Johnny’s arms; Miss Minnie, Grandpa Jones, Jimmy Dickens, and others being overwhelmed by the honor; and of course the prolific Cindy Walker reading the beautiful poem saluting her dearly departed mother.

Though they are not televised on the CMA Awards, I want you and everyone out there to know that the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum staff does an absolutely amazing job of honoring the new class of Hall inductees at a special hours-long ceremony in the Hall’s Ford Theatre each year. At this medallion ceremony, inductees and their careers are given the time and the respect they deserve. I have not yet been to such a ceremony in which I have not been moved to tears at some point by either music performed in honor of an inductee, a speech by a cohort of the inductee, or the inductee’s speech, itself. My one regret is that these ceremonies do not reach the broad national television audience garnered by the inductions of Loretta, Miss Minnie, Ms. Walker, and others.

Things change, Roy. But thank goodness one thing that has not changed is that dreamers from across the country and around the world are still motivated to follow a star to Nashville, make great music for all of us, and maybe— just maybe— earn induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, joining in the Hall rotunda the musical heroes that inspired the dreamer in the first place.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Modella,

Dolly Parton first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry at the ripe old age of 13 in 1959. I bet I would have loved her as much at 13 as I do now. The woman can do no wrong, Modella. No wrong. I love that Dolly’s husband shares a name with Nashville’s new mayor. I once mistakenly shared an Opry Dog with Jerry Clower, but that’s a story for another time.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hello Joe—(Can I call ya Joe?)

Cash, Jennings, and Charles are not current Opry members, as they are deceased. The Opry—- just like any other radio or TV show-- is made up of a living, breathing cast. Kind of like when Nicholas Colasanto passed away, he was no longer a member of the cast of “Cheers” as Coach. It doesn’t mean he wasn’t loved and respected then or that he isn’t fondly remembered now—- just that he wasn’t a member of the then-current cast. As for Willie, he is not among the country icons are members of the current Opry cast, either. Though he has made a handful of Opry appearances in the past few years and is revered by absolutely everyone at the Opry, my guess is the great Willie is just too busy on the road bringing his music to great states like your native Wisconsin to be in Nashville often enough to consider becoming an Opry member again. But the door is always open here for his unique voice and wonderful persona. I can name one ole gal who will be fighting for a good spot on the side of the stage for “On The Road Again,” “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain,” “Blue Skies,” and so many more.  You betcha!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Linda Kay,

How fun that you were able to take in the Opry from backstage. And how lucky that your son has the pleasure of working with the great Connie Smith. I could listen to her all day and all night and have come close to it a time or two. “Once A Day” has one of the greatest openings of any country song, says I. Unfortunately, due to any number of costs the Opry would have to incur, the Opry does not offer video recordings. Just play that image of your son and Miss Connie over and over in your head, Linda.

We’ll hope to see you back here soon.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Ebony,

Thanks for the kind offer. We have a copy of that album set here in the Opry archives, and I also have a copy of that project in my personal collection. I love it, and I’ve about worn a hole in my swatch of curtain from rubbing it between my fingers while listening to the greats on that set. My favorite thing about those records is the live audiences cheering fervently for the Opry stars on the records, stomping on the Ryman’s hardwood floors and raising a ruckus with clapping and whooping. What I love most is that when the Opry returns to the Ryman in the winter months today, the audience sounds almost exactly the same when they’re worked into a frenzy by a hot bluegrass lick by Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder or a honky tonk shuffle by Alan Jackson.

Keep listening to your boxed set, Ebony, and tune us in on wsmonline.com when you can.

By the way, I had the pleasure of visiting your city just under two years ago. A beautiful place, Ebony. We stayed in the Gaslight District, and I found it to be quite lovely. Highlights included the Museum of Unnatural History with drinks beforehand at the Yard House.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hi Tonya,

I remember that performance well. It was on the night of the Opry’s 76th Birthday Bash when Mr. Wonderful, Vince Gill and his friend Brad Paisley took the stage together for that classic tune. I can see the female voice reminding you of Tanya Tucker. It actually belongs to the Opry’s “Miss Country Soul,” Jeannie Seely. Let me tell you, Tonya, if I ever have the chance to go on a girlfriend’s getaway with those two, I’m going. But I fear my stories won’t live up to their tales of the road and the handsome men in their lives. About the most exciting thing I could tell them would sound something like, “well a few weeks ago I drank some milk a day after the expiration date.”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Sonya,

While I’m sure the night’s shows will feature a collection of Jimmy Dickens’ great tunes, I fully expect folks like Trace Adkins, George Jones, and Brad Paisley to honor Dickens with performances of their own big hits. Paisley could fill much of the show with songs on which Dickens has appeared in the accompanying video! Perhaps they’ll even perform tunes Jimmy has said he particularly enjoys. Jones and Paisley have had lots of time to talk about favorite songs in boats and on the banks of lakes—- the two have each enjoyed many a fishing trip with the man Hank Williams dubbed “Tater” after he hit the charts with “Take An Old Cold Tater (And Wait).”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear John,

First of all, I love starting any correspondence with “Dear John.” Rest assured I’m not going to break it off with you, John. We’ve only just met via email!

Warner Mack was born Warner MacPherson in 1935 in Tennessee and raised in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I’ve heard he was a tremendous athlete and turned down an opportunity to play with the St. Louis Cardinals in order to pursue music. Pursue music he did, landing first at the Louisiana Hayride and then at Red Foley’s Ozark Jamboree. He finally made his way back to Nashville, where, as the story goes, a secretary inadvertently changed his name to Warner Mack. Hits such as the one you note above plus “Sittin’ On A Rock (Crying In A Creek),” “Talkin to the Wall,” and “It Takes A Lot of Money” followed after his Nashville move. Mack survived a terrible car crash in 1964 near Princeton, Indiana, and made his final appearance in the Top 40 in 1971.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

P.S.: John, it’s over. I’ve met someone new. His name is Josh. And if that doesn’t work out I’ve met someone else. His name is Vince. And if that doesn’t work out, I’ve met another special someone named Dierks. And if that doesn’t work out… you get the picture.

Hi Sherry,

Happy 5th Aniversary! Might I suggest a dinner out with the hubby at Knob Hill Tavern? During trips to your neck of the woods, I used to really enjoy the casual ambiance of the place, not to mention the delicious fixins. It’s funny that catfish fiddlers are such a staple in the Midwest, but somewhat unheard of down South. They don’t know what they’re missing, but it’s not as if we’re hurting for great edibles here, either!

I and many like-minded Nashvillians echo your thoughts and concerns. To first set the record straight, Jim Reeves never lived in Evergreen, the name of the home you saw. Several years after his death, (In 1980, to be exact), Reeves’ wife Mary opened the home as a Jim Reeves Museum largely because of its location just off Briley Parkway and proximity to Opryland and the other country music entities in the area. The fact that the home was never occupied by Reeves makes its destruction no less of a travesty. Builders violated a “do not destroy” order when their dozers leveled the home after retailer Home Depot bought the property including one of Tennessee’s oldest remaining structures in 2005. A Home Depot store opened on the property earlier this year, and some of my Inglewood friends refuse to set foot in the place. I’ve even heard from friends who-- when push comes to shove and they really, really need that squeegee, drill bit, or garden hose-- drive the 4.94 miles to the nearest Home Depot to that location for their home repair needs.

The home’s demise is a sad story, not just for preservationists, but on a basic human level, as well. For the tale includes chapters on Mrs. Reeves’ dementia, details about countless cats in freezers and underfoot, and other disconcerting particulars one would have never imagined when Reeves was on top of the world with hits such as “He’ll Have To Go” and “Four Walls.” I guess you could say Home Depot thought those Four Walls Had To Go, huh Sherry?

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dearest Donnie,

The Opry moved back to the Ryman for one weekend in 1999, the first time the Ryman hosted an Opry performance since 1974. That weekend was a tremendous success, and the Opry has visited the Ryman for at least a month every winter since. The move to the Ryman allows folks who might not have been around for the Opry's first Ryman run to play a part in country music history. Of course both the Ryman and the Opry House have their own distinct advantages. For instance, I say no one can top the world-famous Opry Dog served up at the Opry House. Extra mustard for me, please.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hi John,

A link to my thing, John? I was unaware I had a link to my thing! Regardless, it is fun to hear from a swing state this close to Election Day. How fun to have the Presidential candidates in your home state trying to win your heart and mind. Though our state does not appear to be in play this year, I am looking forward to the excitement of a Presidential debate taking place in Music City at Belmont University October 5. How exciting. But I’ll tell you, I get about as nervous watching those debates as I do watching the last few minutes of the Super Bowl or the last at bat of the World Series. Though I’ll tell you my football allegiance is with the New England Patriots and my baseball ties are to the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Red Sox, and the St. Louis Cardinals, I am not about to share my political leanings. You’ll just have to guess, John!

While each of the Riders often do their own thing and have their special pet projects, they are still very much a group, too. They tour the country doing things “the cowboy way” and perform on the Opry regularly. Not only do I enjoy watching them on the Opry, I also get a big kick out of watching the Opry audience watch them! The guys are so engaging that even someone who might have had his hands crossed when they walked on stage is swaying along to “Happy Trails” by the time they’ve ended their set.

Thanks for asking, and don’t forget to vote!
The Q & A Lady

Dear Doyle,

Thankfully Hank Locklin is still alive and kicking! He’s the Opry’s oldest star at age 90, and performed on the Opry stage not too terrible long ago, pleasing fans in the audience and fans such as The Whites in the wings. As I’m sure you know, his “Please Help Me I’m Falling” ranks as one of the biggest country crossovers of all time, and Opry star Joe Diffie ranks Locklin’s performance of “Danny Boy” on the Opry stage as his most memorable Opry moment.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Martha Carson, who along with her sisters was discovered by John Lair (the man who would found Kentucky’s Renfro Valley Barn Dance), wrote and recorded “Satisfied” as an answer to audiences who disapproved of her divorce. Vera, I’ve always thought that if I could carry a tune and sing loud, proud, and well like some of the best in our business, I’d love to sing “Satisfied.” It’s such a rollicking, hand-clapping number. Between that one, “Harper Valley P.T.A.” and “Fist City,” I’d have quite the show-stopping trifecta.

Ms. Carson passed away at age 83 on December 16, 2004. I vividly recall the last time I saw her. She was talking with folks backstage at the Opry dressed in a shiny royal blue gown beneath her shiny red hair before making her way to the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree to perform. One of my good buddies at the Opry and I made our way to the Opry House concession stand and had a meal in her honor the Friday night after her passing. I’m Satisfied Ms. Carson would have been humbly honored!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Georgey-Boy,

There’s a brand-spankin’ new area on opry.com where you can do just that. Visit www.myopry.com any time to post your photos or take a gander at photos others have posted from their Opry visits. This ole gal will be particularly interested in any Young Josh Turner and Vince Gill shots you might have!

Who would you say is the most photogenic Opry star, George? I’ll say I rarely see a bad shot of Young Josh, and Carrie Underwood always looks like a million bucks, too. I’ll look forward to checking out your contributions.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Hello Debbie from Texas,

The home just to the left of the Opry House when you’re standing in the Opry Plaza looking toward the Opry House was built for the King of Country Music, Roy Acuff, after his wife Mildred died in 1981. Acuff was known to visit with fans outside his home often, and security guards at the Opry widely reported that many times they would no sooner have escorted the King of Country to his house after an Opry performance than he would be back in his dressing room visiting with passersby.

The house is now made up offices. Though I have since moved, for a few years my little workspace was located in the house in what had once been an upstairs bedroom. I have a cousin who made her living in a bedroom, as well, but that’s a topic for another day.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Betty,

Gosh, I’ve never thought of “I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)” as a duet, Betty. I could be wrong, but I’ve always thought of that tune—one of Price’s earliest single efforts and one in which he really let his true vocal style shine through—- as a solo performance. The song went to number two—his biggest hit thus far at the time—in 1954. In 1980, Gail Davies covered the song beautifully and took it to the Top 5 once again. I am a big, big fan of both versions and also enjoy hearing a good band like the one I’m sure you heard at Roberts belt it out on Lower Broadway.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Greg,

The version of “Tie Your Dreams to Mine” that hit the singles chart and the version with which I am familiar is by the late, great Marty Robbins. The tune peaked on the charts just weeks before Robbins’ untimely death in 1982. What a gift that man was for country music, Greg. One of my favorite photographs related to country music is a beautiful yet terribly sad shot of the mourners gathered at Robbins’ gravesite on the day of his early winter funeral. The shot is taken from several yards away, and only the silhouettes of the mourners can be seen along with a sprawling tree that had lost recently lost its fall leaves. Every time I see it, I think the image would have been perfect as a marquee poster for an old Western movie. And I always think, “Marty would have loved that.”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Good news, Gary. If you launch a boat into one of those three rivers around your hometown (I’m assuming that’s how it got its name?) and head Southwest now, you just might be in Nashville in tome to see Anderson on the Opry on August 29. The great man with the distinctive vocals was on the Opry this spring singing alongside two artists who hail him as heroes, John Rich and Jason Aldean. He’s a hero of mine, too, Gary. And I’m here to tell you his new stuff is just as good and maybe even better than some of the classics he took to the top of the charts. Trivia for you: he once recorded Montgomery Gentry’s number one smash from this summer, “Back When I Knew It All.”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Margaret,

I was amused by the timing of your Christmas query, seeing as you could fry an egg on the sidewalks of Nashville these days. That song was written by songwriting greats Skip Ewing (“Love, Me”) and Donald Sampson (“Midnight In Montgomery”) and can be found on the Ewing Christmas album FOLLOWING YONDER STAR. Stay cool. But for heaven’s sake, Margaret, don’t wish the summer away. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all. (My apologies, Andy Williams.)

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Nick,

The Jessica Simpson scheduled for September 6 is the Jessica Simpson of pop fame. You might have missed that Ms. Simpson has made a move to country music and has actually had a very successful summer on the country charts. Her debut single on Epic is titled “Come On Over” and shows every indication it’ll hit the Top 20 or higher. Simpson made a big splash at CMA Music Fest last month, signing autographs for fans falling all over themselves and each other for one.

I’m not yet sure who will introduce Ms. Simpson the night she makes her debut, but one of the many joys of the Opry is that on any given night you’re sure to see someone like Jean Shepard who has been an Opry member for more than 50 years and was a trailblazer for women of her generation in addition to someone new who is carving his or her own new path in country music. And of course another joy at the Opry is – much like Tennessee weather— if you don’t personally care for what is happening on stage (or in the case of the weather, your backyard)at any given moment, most likely if you give it a little time it’ll change.

Before closing, I’ll share that the Opry has often welcomed folks from genres other than country and bluegrass for years— not all of whom had country aspirations, as does Ms. Simpson. James Brown once appeared on the Opry at the invitation of Porter Wagoner. The Pointer Sisters were a hit several years ago, and Michael McDonald did an outstanding job honoring Ray Charles on the Opry stage a few years back. I’ve found it rather liberating when a guest pays homage to country music at the Opry.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady
78-year old Student of Life, University of Hard Knocks

Dear Penny,

What a nice compliment that you’d trust “Q & A Travel Agency” with your destination decisions. I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Tune Town. I always say any time is a great time to visit Nashville, but things are particularly buzzing that time of year. Of course the Opry is back at the Ryman then. I’d be sure to spend the afternoon downtown amid all that fun, hitting the honky tonks across the alley before the show.

Gaylord Opryland will be decorated from foundation to rooftop for the holidays, and its Country Christmas shows will be in full swing then, too. Like proud new pop Keith Urban says in the opry.com Trip Planner, the Bluebird Café is a great, great place to go to hear some of Nashville’s greatest songs straight from the hearts and lips of those who wrote them. As frequent readers know, I believe there are some absolutely can’t-miss writers to be found there. If you happen upon a night when the likes of Don Schlitz, Fred Knobloch, Thom Schuyler, Kim Richey, or Rodney Crowell are there, consider yourself extremely blessed.

I feel so lucky to live in Nashville and often find there are more entertainment offerings than I can take advantage of, even as a resident. I’m sure it can be overwhelming trying to determine how to fit it all in to just one weekend, but just go at your own pace and know that with so much talent in one small city, you can hardly miss. Maybe I’ll see you out and about Thanksgiving weekend. Please stop me to say hello and let me know how “Q & A Travel Agency” did for you.

Enjoy your upcoming concerts. I have to say I’d be most excited to see Brad Paisley. I laugh when I hear his “Waiting On A Woman” song and think, “honey, you wouldn’t have to wait on me for one darn thing. You say the word Braddy boy, and I’m there.”

Thanks for asking and happy early birthday to momma!
The Q & A Lady

Dear Jean,

That would be young Tammy Cochran, whose biggest chart hit was the song "Angels In Waiting" about her beloved deceased brothers. It hit the Top 10 seven years ago. Cochran enjoyed two other Top 20 hits before her chart success ended in 2002. That's about all I have to say about that.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hello, Darlin’,

Conway was not inducted into the Opry in the 80’s, though that didn’t stop him from having a real chart renaissance during that decade. In fact, Conway trails only Willie Nelson on “Billboard’s” top singles acts of the 80’s and leads such hit-makers as Merle Haggard (3), Kenny Rogers (4), and Alabama (5) for the ten-year period. Rest assured, the Opry door was always open for Conway to come out for Opry appearances throughout the 80’s and his entire career. My bedroom door was also unlocked for him during this period, but that is beside the point. Trivia for you, Gin: Conway was singing about me in his 1981 no. 1, “Tight Fittin’ Jeans.” If he thought they were tight in ’81, he should see me try to get in that same pair today. Ain’t gonna happen.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hi Vickie,

You heard the voice of Jeff Bates that night. You can read all about Jeff, who drew comparisons to Conway Twitty when folks first heard his music a few years back, at jeffbates.net.

Jeff has been known to make some girls swoon by whispering a low, slow, “hey baby” into their ears. I have to tell you, though, I’d prefer a low-voiced Josh Turner whispering “hey, Q&A Lady, don’t go riding on that long black train” any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Matt,

Three cheers for classic country music! I sleep with 650 WSM on beside my bed, and though I thoroughly detest waking up in the night to use the little girl’s room (or in my case the old broad’s room), it’s always a treat to hear an old favorite being played at that hour, knowing that all those truckers out on the interstates and waitresses at all-night diners are also tuned in. Connie Smith followed by Buck Owens followed by Don Williams. Great stuff, I tell ya.

What you saw, Matt, was the Opry cast member list. The current Opry cast is and has always been made up of living, breathing Opry members who are part of a living, breathing Opry family. While Cash and Williams (plus other greats including Minnie Pearl, Dottie West, Skeeter Davis, Bill Monroe, etc., etc., etc.) are not listed among the Opry’s living members, you can find a non-exhaustive list of past members by decade in the Opry Timeline Section of the website.

Come on down to Tune Town, Matt. You won’t be disappointed. The music of Hank, Cash, and their contemporaries will live on within the walls of the downtown honky tonks and between the planks of wood on the Ryman stage long after you and I join all our radio heroes in heaven.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Richard,

Grandpa Jones was born Louis Marshall Jones near the small town of Niagra in Henderson County, Kentucky in 1913. It is said that Jones sounded old on the radio and when persons listening to him wrote radio stations inquiring about his age, he developed a “Grandpa” character at the ripe old age of 23. By 1937 posters were trumpeting an upcoming appearance by “Grandpa Jones and his Grandchildren.” One of the Opry’s most-loved acts ever, Grandpa’s profile was increased immensely with his debut on the then-new television program “Hee Haw” in 1969. I loved Grandpa and still love to play his recordings. One of my favorite artists of today, Sam Bush, has a great cut of Grandpa’s tune “Eight More Miles to Louisville” on a recent album. Check it out, says I.

As for the tall, lanky, blonde fella in the rhinestone blue suit—- I’m thinking probably Porter Wagoner? The rhinestone suit is a dead giveaway, pal.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

You’re right, Kathy. She was great. “She” in this case is Dawn Sears, who was blessed with a great country voice and even more blessed to have toured with Mr. Wonderful Vince Gill for several years. She was a part of Vince’s awesome ensemble in support of his THESE DAYS CD and contributed background vocals along with Bekka Bramlett and others on the anthemic “What You Give Away.” Dawn tried her luck at a solo career with the Kim-Richey penned single “Runaway Train more than a decade ago.” Though it did not burn up the charts, these days Sears has found enormous success with the Grammy-nominated Western Swing group, The Time Jumpers. I can’t say enough about them, Kathy. They played the Opry and the Opry Plaza last weekend and kicked some major tail, as my great nieces would say.

Dawn has a special connection to one Time Jumper, in particular. She’s married to fiddler/vocalist Kenny Sears.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hola B.J.!

I am sure you know by listening to the Opry online that Jimmy C. Newman is still a regular fixture at the Grand Ole Opry, cranking out the Cajun music that has kept fans’ toe tapping for years. If you would like to see the Alligator Man perform live— and you’ve said you do— I highly recommend you make a trip to Tune Town. If you plan a week-long trip, I’m confident you’ll catch Jimmy C. at the Opry at least once. His live performances aren’t limited exclusively to the Opry these days, but he doesn’t do too much touring nowadays, either. With a farm of more than 600 acres south of Nashville, who has time? Jimmy is always exceptionally kind to his fans and happy to stop for a word and a photo. I hope you can make it across the pond to catch Jimmy C live soon, B.J.

Gracias por preguntar,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Linda,

That was a fun night! Loretta was just so very good on both shows that evening. Of course the crowd erupted when she sang “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” but I also loved when she sang the Dallas Frazier composition “Will You Visit Me On Sunday” with Opry lovebirds Marty Stuart and Connie Smith. The three of them just appeared to be having the best time up there together.

Of course the Opry crowd also lit up that night when Chonda Pierce took the stage. Dubbed the “Queen of Clean,” Chonda reigns over the world of Christian comedy. She cut her teeth portraying Cousin Minnie Pearl at Opryland Theme Park and today performs for thousands and thousands of folks a year at churches and special events across the country. She’s sold hundreds of thousands of comedy CD’s and DVD’s, and you can check out her humor on her own YouTube page.

To me, the funniest thing Chonda said the night you saw her was when she was introduced by a very svelte Lorrie Morgan in a hot pink cut-way down-to-there dress. Walking onstage, Chonda took a look at Morgan’s upper half and said to the audience, “I’m going to look like that in heaven.”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Terry,

How can I resist coming to the aid of a man willing to dance for me? I haven’t had such an offer in 50 years, unless of course you count that steamy summer night on Bourbon Street in New Orleans circa 1978. I hardly think that man would have been too agile or quick on his feet, though, what with a brown bag for each hand and all.

“Precious Jewel” was written by Mr. Acuff, himself, and released in the 1940s when Acuff was knockin’ ‘em dead on the Opry and across the country. The song was re-released as a duet by Acuff and fellow Opry member Charlie Louvin in 1989, just three years before the King of Country’s death. You can see a fun little video montage of this version of the song on YouTube. Just click here. It was Mr. Acuff’s last chart hit.

The tune has been performed by countless acts over the years from Acuff to reigning bluegrass queen Rhonda Vincent.

Now turn up your monitors and get to dancin’, Terry. I’ve included the lyrics below so you can sing along.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Way back in the hills, when a boy, I once wandered
Buried deep in her grave lies a girl that I love
She was called from this earth, a jewel for heaven
More precious than diamonds more precious than gold.

When a girl of sixteen, we courted each other
She promised someday to become my sweet wife
I bought her the ring to wear on her finger
But the angels they called her to heaven one night.

A jewel here on earth, a jewel up in heaven
She'll brighten the kingdom around God's great throne
May the angels have peace, God bless her in heaven
They've broken my heart and they left me to roam.

This world has it wealth, its' trials and troubles
Mother earth holds her treasures of diamonds and gold
But it can't hold the soul of one precious jewel
She's resting in peace with the heavenly fold.

May the angels have peace, God bless her in heaven
They've broken my heart and they left me to roam.

Dear Courtney,

Thanks for visiting the Opry and taking an Opry House tour. The Opry Post Office is one of my favorite stops on the tour. It always does my heart good to see the Opry as a little town within itself, with each member having a mailbox. And I always smile when I hear the guide say that the mailboxes are in alphabetical order, except Jimmy Dickens’ is a row or two lower than the other “D’s” for obvious reasons. You are most welcome to write letters to the Opry members, and you don’t even need a mailbox number. The Opry staff places your mail in the boxes by name of the artist rather than by box number. Simply address your mail as follows:

Artist Name
Grand Ole Opry
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

With regard to Garth Brooks: while he lives in Oklahoma these days, my fingers are crossed that he’ll pay the Opry a visit someday soon. Are yours, Courtney?

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Sharon,

I’ll put the brakes on your bus ride to bananas right now by telling you “Sixteen Tons” is a classic recorded by the late, great Country Music Hall of Famer Tennessee Ernie Ford. Penned by fellow Hall of Famer Merle Travis, the song spent ten weeks on top of the country charts for Ford in 1955. In addition to the version you’ve been hearing lately, the tune has been cut by countless others, including Johnny Cash and Tom Jones.

Even perennial Democratic presidential also-ran Dennis Kucinich had his day in the sun with the song last year. You can check that and other versions out on YouTube.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Debbie,

As you know, Sissy Spacek is an actress by trade, and a darn good one at that. But when the time came for her to star as Loretta Lynn in “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Spacek did her own singing. The talented film star visited the Opry on January 27, 1979 while she was preparing for her role as one of country’s favorite women. I’ve heard Sissy say in interviews that following production of the film she really missed “being” Loretta. I can only imagine how fun that role was, Debbie. I think my favorite line to deliver would have been, “Doo, you sound like an old bear when you growl like that.” Or maybe, “I’ve been on the Grand Ole Opry, Doo! The Grand Ole Opry!”

Sissy and her daughter were in Music City a couple of Fan Fairs ago checking out the situation for her daughter, who had dreams of being a country star. I haven’t heard from her recently. I’ll check into that, Debbie.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hi Sue,

First of all, hearty congratulations to KU on a national championship! I’m happy for all you wheat growers out that way! That tournament is sometimes almost more than my heart can stand. I just sat here and shook after that Western Kentucky win in the first round. Crazy stuff!

We’ll look forward to seeing you on 08/08/08 at 8:00 sharp! I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but while there are lots and lots of exciting events and shows coming up at the Opry this spring and summer, I don’t believe there are any particularly special 08/08/08 plans at this moment. Maybe Mel Tillis or Mark Wills could make an appearance, as the day is also their birthday. 08/08/08 also marks the 33rd anniversary of the mountain climbing accident that nearly took Hank Williams Jr’s life.

Keep watching opry.com, Sue, as artists confirmed for that night’s shows will be added as the date nears. And one word of wisdom: don’t feast on more than three or four Opry Dogs when you’re here for the show. Otherwise you’ll be heard saying, “whoah, I eight too much!”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A LAdy

Hi Pam,

You're right on both artists. That was Bill Anderson singing "I Wonder if God Likes Country Music," and that was the King Of Country Music, Roy Acuff, singing the part of the dying gentleman waiting to sing country music in heaven. Always a great storyteller, Bill tells a wonderful true tale of singing that song with Mr. Roy on the Opry stage not long before Acuff's death, knowing the performance would almost certainly be the pair's last appearance together. You can find the song on any number of Bill Anderson recordings, including his two-CD set NOTHIN BUT HITS available at www.billanderson.com.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear William,

There are few artists I'd like to see at the Opry like I'd like to see Hank Jr. The man lights up a stage and gets people from 8 to 80 on their feet. He's not currently scheduled to play, but you never know when the Opry's talent manager might land a Bocephus appearance. It'd do this ole gal's heart good.

But you shouldn’t wait until Jr. is on the Opry to pay a visit to Tune Town, Bill. The Country Music Hall of Fame is launching a new exhibit about the Williams Family called Family Tradition this weekend. The exhibit is to be full of never-before-seen artifacts from Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., and the extended Williams family. I’ll be there Friday, and I’m very much looking forward to it. I’ll write all about it in a future column, but don’t wait to get the scoop from me—- come on down. If anyone in country music ever had a story to tell, it’s Hank Jr!

While Hall of Fame elections are shrouded in mystery, there’s not a doubt in my mind Hank Jr. will find himself in the same hallowed rotunda as his father one day in the not-too-distant future, William. He’ll be in the running along with such notables as Roy Clark, Reba, Garth Brooks, and Don Williams, but he’ll land there . . . just as each of the names just mentioned should.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Carl,

Sorry for the delay, hon. My interests are so varied that I committed to the opry.com staff that I'd be glad to answer and post one question and answer each week. I do read each and every question sent my way. When I know an answer off the top of my head, I usually fire an answer back to the person who asked it right away just to put his or her mind at ease. I always select a fun question to post online, and sometimes my curiosity gets the best of me and I track down answers to questions that don't get posted online. But that inevitably leaves those poor questions like yours has been up until now. Ignored and alone, like yours truly on prom night 1945. I sincerely apologize to all whose questions are not answered here. Please keep writing in and reading each week's posts! And if someone will volunteer to plant my daisies, watermelons, and cucumbers; take my Mazda in for an oil change; bake a cake and pick up some champagne for our Easter brunch; write the letters I need to write; go online to pay my bills; etc, I will gladly sit in the home office and answer each and every question that comes in. How I wish that was the case!

Your country music interest does go way back, Carl, but you know that can be a real turn on, right? "Mommy, Mommy, Please Stay Home With Me" was recorded by several country acts including Opry members The Browns (love them) and Hank Locklin. If I was you, I'd buy the Eddy Arnold box set THE TENNESSEE PLOWBOY AND HIS GUITAR, which will include the trip down memory land you're craving as well as some other great work. And while you have that credit card out and box sets on your mind, pick up the Bear Family Ernest Tubb collection, one of several projects from the Texas Troubadour featuring "Our Baby’s Book." Happy listening, Carl!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Tom,

The official Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are wonderful, wonderful events as grand as the incredible talents being inducted each year. No matter who the inductees are from year to year, it seems the Hall of Fame staff finds just the right performers to honor them with just the right songs. And I am always amazed at how eloquently the words the staff writes in honor of each inductee are presented. I'll always remember two years ago when Glen Campbell had the audience of friends, peers, and Music City VIPS looking at each other in amazement, each audience member thinking to his or herself, "My gosh, that's Glen Campbell . . . singing 'Rhinestone Cowboy' . . . on the evening in which he's becoming a Hall of Famer . . . and I’m one of the 200 people experiencing it."

Though the medallion ceremony is a private event, the public usually lines a red carpet leading into the Hall of Fame to get a glimpse of Hall honorees, returning Hall of Famers, and other notable guests. If you're in town during the ceremonies this year, I say stop by. Due to a tie in votes, four acts were elected to the Hall this year. Subsequently, the medallion ceremonies will take place on two different nights. On April 27, Emmylou Harris and the late Pop Stoneman will be inducted. Then on June 29 longtime friends Tom T. Hall and The Statler Brothers will be so honored.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Brenda,

The bad news is you appear to be wrong on all counts. The good news is you're close enough that I can answer your question and point you in the right direction!

I believe you're thinking of T. Graham Brown and his song of redemption, "Wine Into Water." Though he had bigger chart hits, "Wine Into Water" will surely go down in history as T's most personal and compelling tune. The song failed to crack the Top 40 when it was released ten years ago, but gets as great a crowd reaction at the Opry as any of T's number ones from the 80s including "Darlene" and "Don’t Go to Strangers."

Armed with these facts, Brenda, you should be able to easily find the song you seek online.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear April,

Hall of Famer Scruggs isn't currently scheduled to play the Opry in the near future, but that could always change. To be completely honest with you, April, I think your best bet would be to plan a trip to Nashville on June 26. On that night at 7:30 p.m. the great Scruggs and his hand-chosen friends will kick off the Ryman Auditorium's "Bluegrass Nights" series. He did the same last year, and while I missed the show, some of my gal pals who were there said it was the best of the series and a night of music they’ll never forget. Having seen some of the other nights in the series last year, I can not imagine how good the one they deemed "the best" was. I say bring the old man down for the Scruggs Ryman show on the 26th, then stay in town for the Opry on Friday or Saturday or both!

You can check out this summer's entire Bluegrass Nights line-up at ryman.com. I already have my tickets for Vince "Mr. Wonderful" Gill on July 3. I'm sure he'll play hotter and look hotter than all the firecrackers that light up the night sky the following evening.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Sam,

We’ll look forward to hosting you in Music City. The memories of my visit to Scotland years ago are happy ones, except I did catch a terrible case of strep throat on my last day in Edinburgh. It was all I could do to choke down one last helping of the delicious fish and chips offered up by the small shop across the street from our B&B.

You’re in luck, as your March 4 visit falls on both the Opry’s return to the Opry House and the return of the Tuesday Night Opry after a winter break. Among those you’ll see that night are the Gatlin Brothers, Diamond Rio, The Del McCoury Band, and my favorite new artist of the past couple of years, Young Eric Church. I’m excited for you!

The Opry House and the Ryman are just a short (say 20 minutes, tops) cab ride or drive apart. Be sure to visit the Ryman even though the Opry will have finished its run there on March 1. I’ll never get over the thrill of walking through that building and feeling the spirit of ghosts like Patsy Cline and Hank Williams and the echoes of performances by Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, and so many others.

Have a great time, Sam, and thanks for asking.
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Steph,

Heavens, no, girl! You're not the only Brit who loves her country (music, that is.) The greatest percentage of the Opry's international visitors come from Canada, but England does score first-runner-up honors. And it's always amazing the wide scope of nationalities that listen in on the Internet or explore our website pages. A full eight out of every 100 fans who visit opry.com everyday are from outside the United States.

I hope you'll visit us anytime, Steph. In the immortal words of The Wagonmaster, "Y'all Come!"

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Michael,

If you were playing interviews of Roy Acuff and Hank Snow in New York City in the 60s, you sound like my kind of man. A man of the world, yet with an appreciation of good, honest music. Experienced. A real charmer. Maybe you should come see the good people of the South again soon, with special emphasis on the good person who is answering your question!

While I am in no position to tell you whether or not you’re losing your mind, I can unequivocally tell you that the bluegrass great is NOT buried up the road in Spring Hill Cemetery, but rather further up the road in his native Rosine, Kentucky. I’m sure you agree that it is altogether fitting and proper that the Father of Bluegrass should rest beneath the bluegrass of home. I enjoy a walk through Spring Hill on nice spring and fall days, Michael, and will check out the grave of William Monroe on my next visit.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear David,

Opry fans, visitors to opry.com, and those who take the time to send questions my way are all very passionate about who they think should become Opry members, and I say that's a good, good thing. It's wonderful that an institution that’s been around since 1925 continues to inspire talented young people and makes them want to be a part of the family. I wouldn't begin to say who I think will next achieve Opry membership, other than to say it won't be yours truly—- there's not nearly enough talent in these vocal chords, and I can't dance like I once could. I'm not even funny enough to be the next Miss Minnie or Jerry Clower.

A lot of factors go into making a decision on Opry membership, and they are detailed in the "Meet the Opry" section of this site. Just click here to learn more.

I will say I think it's all together fitting and proper that the Opry's most recent inductees have showcased such a variety of musical styles and journeys to the Opry, from the hard-working Dierks Bentley, inducted while still in his 20s, to Mel Tillis, a Hall of Famer known for his songwriting prowess, number one hits, and comic genius, inducted in his 70s, to Josh Turner, the modern traditionalist who joined the family at age 29, to Charlie Daniels, the Southern rock legend and country king who became the Opry's most recent addition at age 71. To your point, though, David, maybe it's time for a female artist from your list or elsewhere be added. Time will tell. Time will tell.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Mark, I can't be exactly sure who you saw or heard I don't suppose, but my money is on you having enjoyed the music of Grammy-winning Texas native Nanci Griffith. I guess "old" is in the eye of the beholder, Mark, but in my book Nanci, at 55, is still a spring chicken. (Maybe the glasses she put on for her last number a few weeks ago added a year or two in your mind.) She's had a storied recording and touring career, having performed with such luminaries as Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and Judy Collins. Additionally, her songs have been hits for Suzy Bogguss ("Outbound Plane"), Kathy Mattea ("Love at the Five and Dime"), and more. Mattea also recorded "Listen to the Radio," which you may have heard Griffith perform at the Opry in November. That tune includes the line "Loretta Lynn guides my hands along the radio. Where would I be in times like these without the songs Loretta wrote?" Griffith has not been at all shy about her adoration for The Coal Miner's Daughter, Mark, and I'll return the favor by not being shy about my respect for Griffith's voice and lyrics. I think she's a lot of fun to watch on stage, and when my mood is right, there's hardly a better soundtrack to a quiet summer evening than her LATE NIGHT GRAND HOTEL CD. I just love it.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Peggy,

The first time "Statue" hit the charts was when Opry member Jack Greene took it to number one in 1969. Since then the tune has been back on the charts as recorded by Brian Collins (1974), Bill Medley (1979), and the RVS version with which you’re familiar. (That one made its way to number two on the "Billboard" charts, by the way). Jack says "Statue" is his most requested song, even outdoing his much-awarded "There Goes My Everything." Fans of the Jolly Green Giant say he sings "Statue" just as well today as he ever did.

And wouldn't it be fun if we really could build statues in the likenesses of some of the biggest fools in our lives, Peggy? I'd love to build one in honor of an old flame who did me wrong, sit it out in the backyard, and say to the pigeons, "do with this what you will!"

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Ronna,

I'm having so much trouble settling on a presidential candidate of choice this year, don't even make me choose between these two fine Opry members! Your Dierks has that enviable hair and that free-spirited motorcycle road warrior thing going for him. I'd ride in his sidecar any day. Josh, meanwhile, has the voice any old gal like me would kill to wake up to every day of the year. Can't you just hear him at the foot of the bed saying, "mornin' honey. Coffee's on."? That'd certainly beat the morning words most often uttered by my dearly departed: "well for heaven's sake, dear. I put your false teeth in again by mistake!"

Regardless of who our favorites are, Dierks does have two years on Josh. Dierks was born in Arizona on November 20, 1975. Josh came along in South Carolina exactly two years later.

Come see us again soon, my dear. Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Mike,

That group was the award-winning bluegrass act Mountain Heart. I don't see a record of the group having put "Mary, Did You Know" on record as of yet. Several others including Kathy Mattea and Wynonna have recorded it, however. But who knows? It's a long time til the holidays will roll again; maybe the guys can get in the studio and record it. And maybe I can lose the ten pounds I packed on in December, too. I can hear them now... "Q & A Lady, did you know the only thing you have in common with the immaculate conception is that your stomach looks like your seven months pregnant..."

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Carol,

I’ll let your comment act as an end-of-the-year tribute to not only the great Mr. Hughey, but to all of the country music greats we lost in ’07. With careers large and small and with an impact around the world or in regional pockets across this great land, all are deeply missed. The “crying sound” of Mr. Hughey’s steel would be a fine soundtrack to a recitation of the names of the fine folks lost this year including Porter Wagoner, Hank Thompson, and so many more.

Thanks for your note, Carol, and thanks to all the late great artists of note we lost this year.

The Q & A Lady

Dear Gary,

And I’m sure Blaine Larsen would love for you to purchase his CD! His ROCKIN’ YOU TONIGHT project includes the hit “I Don’t Know What She Said.” In order to hear “Wish I Could Fall In Love Today,” however, you’ll want to purchase the Barbara Mandrell tribute album on which it appears, SHE WAS COUNTRY WHEN COUNTRY WASN’T COOL: A TRIBUTE TO BARBARA MANDRELL.

That “wasn’t cool” title, of course, begs the question, Gary, when was country not cool? There are those who would argue that country was at its least cool around the time that title hit the top of the charts and just before folks like Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, and Randy Travis hit town and steered things in a decidedly traditional direction for a while. I don’t know, Gary, but I think in country music as in life to everything (and to every style) there is a season. At the end of the day, I’d say I enjoy country music and all the roads it takes. I enjoy embracing what I love and also enjoy sitting on the sidelines casting stones at what I don’t. From the emails I receive at opry.com weekly, I think hundreds of others out there are in the same boat as me.

I hope you enjoy your new music!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & a Lady

Dear Craig,

Thanks for tuning in on XM! It’s great to hear from new listeners like you.

Yours is an easy question for me, in that I have long enjoyed the song about which you wrote and am a huge fan of one of its co-writers. “I Watched It All (On My Radio)” was released by Lionel Cartwright in March 1990. The song was one of four Top 10 hits for the West Virginia native, with one of those (“Leap Of Faith”) reaching the number one spot in the summer of 1991. You can find the song on Cartwright’s album I WATCHED IT ON THE RADIO. Another reader of the column asked about Cartwright a couple of years back. When I investigated his locale at that time, he was working as a music minister in the Nashville area.

“I Watched It All…” was co-written by one of Nashville’s most prolific writers, the great Don Schlitz. The man’s words can be heard all over country radio even today. Just this past weekend while raking leaves I heard three Schlitz-penned tunes in a row on the radio: “Forever and Ever, Amen;” “40 Hour Week,” and “The Old School.” Schlitz also offers “I Watched It All…” on his own CD, LIVE AT THE BLUEBIRD CAFÉ. Recorded live at Nashville’s storied Bluebird, the project also offers Schlitz’s own versions of tunes such as “The Gambler,” “When You Say Nothing At All,” and my all-time favorite, “I Take My Chances,” as well as the lesser-known but incredibly written “One Picture’s Worth A Thousand Tears” and “Oscar The Angel.” Schlitz treats listeners to a show at the Bluebird roughly once a month, with an admission charge of only a buck. I say it’s the best thing you can do in Nashville with a single George Washington. He also teams up with his friends harmonica wizard Jelly Roll Johnson, fellow writers Thom Schuyler (“16th Avenue”), and J. Fred Knoblock (“A Lover Is Forever”) for in-the-round shows at the Bluebird every month or so. The four friends are very funny sitting around joking, and they sound just great harmonizing on everything from “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” to “I Fell In Love Again Last Night.”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hello Darlin',

You bet your Twitty Bird ole Conway is in the Hall of Fame. A country music lady's man if ever there was one, Conway was elected to the Hall in 1999, six years after his untimely death en route from Branson, Missouri to celebrate with his beloved fans during Fan Fair. I'll never forget the marquee at Twitty City reading "Goodybe Darlin'" that sad week. I have a lot of fun Conway stories to share someday, Joe. One involves a Twitty City billboard north of Nashville and a cherry picker. I'll tell all one of these days!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Howdy Michael,

It’s good to see I’m not the only one out there with a tendency to forget a thing or two. You’re thinking of the group Cherryholmes, and I can understand why the group’s musicianship might stick with you even if the group’s name did not. The group is made up of talented members of the Cherryholmes family including Dad Jere and Mom Sandy Lee plus daughters Cia Leigh and Molly Kate and sons BJ and Skip. The group is always entertaining to this ole gal, especially when Sandy Lee decides to cut a rug on stage. You can visit the family online at skaggsfamilyrecords.com.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Speck lies in Spring Hill Cemetery just off of Gallatin Road just north of the Opry House, having passed away on March 19, 2000. Gilbert R. “Speck” Rhodes was born one of six children in West Plains, Mo. He and his two brothers all entered show business in their teens, and Speck auditioned for Porter’s shows in 1960. Of course he lives on in episodes of the show available on RFD-TV. Funny guy, Gerald. I can’t look at an old-fashioned telephone without thinking of him and his comedy routine involving calls to his girlfriend, Sadie.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Cathie,

I had some unkind words for the Country Music Association and ABC when I, like you, heard that Vince Gill, Mel Tillis, and Ralph Emery would not be recognized at the year’s CMA Awards. Thank the Lord folks came to their senses. It was almost better than one of my favorites winning an award when that segment hosted by LeAnn Rimes came on the Awards telecast. God bless us everyone!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Noelita,

How fun to hear from Alaska! I hope you’re all stocked up for the winter. I was near your neck of the woods following the Opry Alaskan Cruise a few years ago. After the cruise, we drove from Seward to Anchorage. It looks as if you are a few miles west of the area we saw that morning. Beautiful country, Noelita!

The song you and your friend recall is by Tex Williams, the man who also puffed away on the multi-week 1947 smash "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)." Two years later, he enjoyed success with "(There’s A) Bluebird On Your Windowsill." Speaking of which, there’s a ten-year accumulation of dust, a couple of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup wrappers, and my framed Vince Gill photo collage on MY windowsill, but that’s beside the point.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Amy,

I think you heard the Girls Next Door sing "Slow Boat to China," not "Slow Boat To Heaven." You could be worse in the getting-lyrics-mistaken department, Amy. One of my good friends once thought Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" was about a young housewife who didn't mind "Cookin' In." What a Moron!

I would love to hear from any other readers out there who have committed a similar faux pas. Talk to me, friends!

"Slow Boat" was the Girls' only Top 10 hit, and "Love Will Get You Through Times With No Money" was their only other Top 20. The oldest of the Girls, Doris King, turned 50 earlier this year.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hi Jenny,

Glad you made it to the home of country music. You saw "They Also Serve," a tune about the sacrifices paid by the families of our country’s brave fighting men and women. The song is by John Conlee, one of my all-around favorite people at the Opry. I heard "Friday Night Blues" early Saturday morning while puttering around getting ready for the barrage of shoppers at my yard sale and paused in front of my tables of merchandise long enough to shout loudly enough to wake the neighbors, "Great song! Great, great song!"

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Sandy,

The Hank Jr./Marty/Travis moment is not available for sale. Maybe someday, Sandy. That was, indeed, quite an Opry Moment. Thanks for the good words about visiting Nashville. It is such a fun week on CMA Week . . . or any week, for that matter.

So you heard Eddie’s good news! The Opry will be heard on XM Satellite Radio beginning Saturday, Oct. 20. Eddie’s own show, presently heard weeknights on 650 WSM, will begin airing on XM next month. I am so very excited I am going to buy an XM system, myself. Honest.

Hello Cornhusker!

Good news! Both Jimmy and Porter are on the RSVP list to be on hand for the Opry’s big Bash later this month. Which star do you think could blow out the most candles on the Opry’s cake? You might also check out the Opry member Q & A Session in the Acuff Theatre on the afternoon of the 20th. Jimmy and some of his Opry buddies will gather around the Opry table that day to share stories and answer fans’ most asked questions. I could sit and listen to Little Jimmy stories for hours without end, Scott. The legendary Opry member will celebrate 60 years with the Opry next year. I simply could not love the man any more than I do. What a guy. You’re sure to have a great time in Music City. Please do stop me and say hello if you see me that weekend. I’d love to meet you and yours.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Editor's note: Tickets to the Q&A Session on October 20 are available in the Birthday Bash Vacation Package or you can purchase tickets on the day of the event at the Opry Box Office. For more information on other Birthday events, please visit our October is Opry Month page. Oh, and if you do run in to the Q&A Lady and you want to pry some of that inside scoop she's famous for out of her, just run an Opry Dog (the Opry's must-have treat) under her nose and she's all yours.

Hello, Pam

I hope all is well in Manvel. I think I could go for living in a place called Manvel, but I believe I would have to pronounce it “Man-ville” to be completely satisfied. Speaking of satisfied, it sounds like it just might take two men to keep you satisfied, huh Pam? Maybe two men who look . . . exactly alike?

Identical twins Jim & Jon Hager got their big break when Buck Owens discovered them performing at Disneyland. Buck signed your dishes to a management contract, and the two opened shows for the Hall of Famer across the country. Of course they later became recognized by millions (including you) for their singing and comedy on “Hee Haw,” co-hosted by none other than Owens, himself.

Today the guys play the occasional show in Nashville as well as fairs, conventions, casinos, and the like across the country. (They were at the Hickman, Kentucky Pecan Festival just last Saturday.) It seems I cross paths with the guys once a year or so. I saw them backstage at the Opry not too terribly long ago, and I found them chatting with some fans who recognized them in a hotel lobby in the Music Valley area not long after that. When a couple of friends of mine looked with their realtor at a home last year, they were impressed to discover upon taking a close look at the photos on the mantle in the home that they were in the residence of one of the twins—-they weren’t sure which one! Now that’s the inside scoop you can’t get just anywhere, Pam.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Wendy,

Welcome to Tune Town! Glad to have another old-time country fan in our midst. The Statler Brothers had their moments with me, too. In fact, I was just looking through some old 45’s this past weekend and ran across copies of their hits “Charlotte’s Web” and ”Don’t Wait On Me.” Though they’ve continued to release recorded music since they retired from touring, I believe that when they said “farewell tour” they meant it. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll do something in honor of their recent Gospel Hall of Fame election. And ¼ of the Statlers, Jimmy Fortune, continues to write and perform live. In fact, I am planning to catch him in GAC’s show at Dollywood later this week. Jimmy Fortune, a wooden roller coaster, and the scrambler all in one day—who could ask for anything more?

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Nice to hear from you, and so nice to know there are still fans of the Forester Sisters out there in addition to this ole gal. You just might be envious of me, Jennie. For over the Labor Day Weekend, I picked up the Foresters’ self-titled debut LP at Tennessee’s famed 30-mile yard sale between Holladay and Big Sandy.

My girlfriend and I didn’t make it all 30 miles, but I’ll tell you one thing . . . we packed a lot into one Saturday in Southwestern Middle Tennessee. I got into it with a lady yard sale proprieter who wanted entirely too much money for a ratty old paperback about Elvis Presley. (Can you call a woman sitting on an overturned five-gallon bucket smoking a cigarette while breathing with the help of an oxygen mask a lady, Jennie?). Then I proceeded to get into it again with another lady who took the last dozen croutons off the salad bar at the Camden, Tennessee Country and Western Steakhouse while I stood helplessly beside her hoping to add just a little crunch to my garden greens. (Can you call a woman standing at a salad bar unwilling to share croutons even though her outstretched arms are so jiggly they just barely clear the blue cheese dressing a lady, Jennie?)

Next it was just a short three-mile jaunt to the haunting March 1963 crash site of Patsy Cline and company. The site is such a sad place, really, Jennie, but well worth a stop if you’re anywhere nearby. After stops at more sales (if I never see another plastic singing bass fish affixed to a wooden display piece, I’ll be happy enough to sing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” myself), it was on to Loretta Lynn’s Hurricane Mills, Tennessee Ranch. We’d spent so much time bargain hunting that we missed Miss Loretty’s Museum closing hour by fifteen minutes or so. We pressed our noses to the glass doors hoping for a glimpse of Loretta’s gowns and awards or items given to the Hall of Famer by her friends for display including Barbara Bush’s canary yellow extra-wide overstretched pumps, but it was too dark inside for a good look. We did walk across the bridge at Hurricane Mills, though, for great photos in front of the mansion made famous in the motion picture “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” We each stood at the gate and each pretended for a moment to be the Coal Miner’s Daughter, herself.

We had a special star sighting across the road from Loretty’s ranch at the Cissie Lynn (Loretta’s daughter) Country Store and Music Barn. The Coal Miner’s Daughter’s daughter, herself, was behind the counter ringing up sales and cutting bologna and cheese. We had no time for bologna, though, as we were headed to the Log Cabin Restaurant just off of I-40. Now you know I love Vince Gill, Jennie, but I don’t mind saying that if given the choice between 30 minutes in a dark room with a frisky Vince OR 30 minutes in that same dark room with a heaping helping of the Log Cabin’s skillet fried chicken breast, I believe I’d have to go with the chicken breast. Delicious! Then, just as I was toying with the idea of trying to find a way to eat desert AND get out of that place without popping the elastic waistline on my polyester slacks, God saw fit to deliver me from the situation and planted the idea of dessert to go. Delicious again!

Oh, Lord, Jennie, you asked a question about the Forester Sisters, didn’t you? The girls tell me that yes, they will record again, but there are no definite plans as of yet. The sisters are happy in all walks of life near their hometown of Stone Mountain, Georgia. Until that new project is complete, you might be interested in a newer Christmas album called "New Star Shining" available only at forestersisters.com. It won't be along until we're saying "Tis the season," you know!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

I’m glad you asked, Ann. One of my gal pals and I were just talking about (well, actually fighting about) that singer just the other day. The singer you heard was Jennifer Nettles of million-selling group-turned-duo Sugarland. The song you heard was “Stay” from Sugarland’s second (and current) album, ENJOY THE RIDE. I just caught the last part of the new video for “Stay” on GAC for the first time earlier this evening, Ann.

I can’t say enough good things about Sugarland. I love the duo’s style, and I just seem to get lost in young Jennifer’s voice, no matter if she’s singing a rocking tune or a powerful slower number such as the tune you heard. And I am always struck by what seems like such honesty in her smile and laughter. I wish she was my granddaughter—I bet we could have some fun times with me telling her stories about the old days around the Opry and her telling me about the new days on tour with Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, and those lads about 40 (ok, 50) years too young for me. My gal pal I mentioned isn’t sold, like we are, Ann. She calls Jennifer “that girl that swings her arms around and shows her armpits.” I say she’s just jealous, and I believe it, too.

I was so personally taken by Sugarland’s debut single three years ago that I made sure to walk back to the group’s dressing room to say hello and congratulations after their Opry debut that fall. All three of the then-members of the group were nice to me and completely humble, but it was Jennifer who stood up from her seat and walked across the dressing room floor to shake my hand and introduce herself to me. Classy. I walked away that night a fan. Sounds like after hearing “Stay,” you’re a fan, too.

Thanks for visiting from Canada and for inquiring about one of my favorite newer acts on the scene. Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go swing my arms around in my old grumpy friend’s face.

Well, New York City—- imagine that! This ole gal has nothing but great things to say about your hometown! It seems we hear nothing but crazy reports about New York City cab drivers, but I’m here to tell you one was nothing but wonderful to this ole gal last year. It seems I left my blackberry (the kind you send email on, not the kind I grew up picking in the summertime while keeping both eyes open for snakes) in the backseat of a NYC cab last year and chalked it up as gone for good. When I came into my Opry office the next day, though, the cab driver called me from his home phone to say he’d found the valuable device in the cab at the end of his day. He even went down to his neighborhood UPS store and mailed it back to me. It did my heart (not to mention my pocketbook) good, Kim. It really did.

I believe you have heard Iris DeMent, who is beloved by Garrison Keillor and other fans across the country. Among DeMent’s many fine tunes is “Mama’s Opry,” a song about DeMent’s mother’s long-held dream of playing the Grand Ole Opry. In part, its lyrics read:

The Carters and Jimmy Rodgers played her favorite songs.
And on Saturday nights there was a radio show and she would sing along.
And I'll never forget her face when she revealed to me,
That she'd dreamed about singing at The Grand Ole Opry.

I am so fortunate, Kim, to have been in the audience that October night in 2002 when Ms. DeMent’s own dream of singing on our hallowed stage came true. I hope you enjoy the singer/songwriter’s recorded work for years to come.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Mary,

For a former "WKRP" fan such as myself, that is a fun, fun question! While many is the man who has approached me backstage telling me of my striking resemblance to Jennifer Marlowe (aka Loni Anderson), I must say this is the first time I’m aware that anyone has pointed out to me or anyone else on the Opry staff the similarities between our staff band pianist Tim Atwood and Herb Tarlek, the character immortalized by Frank Bonner.

A few "six degrees of Kevin Bacon"-type coincidences do come to mind, though, Mary. For one, I once sat behind Edi McClurg at the Opry when she was in town shooting a movie with Faye Dunaway. I remember she went wild for the Opry square dancers. McClurg, you’ll recall, has appeared in everything from "The Hogan Family" to "Moonlighting," to "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" in addition to guesting on "WKRP" as Herb's wife, Lucille.

Then, too, Gary Sandy (Andy Travis for us KRP fans) once starred in the production "Cotton Patch Gospel" on the Ryman (former home of the Opry) stage after his WKRP days.

Loni Anderson was married to Burt Reynolds who once passed out in the hot tub in the Florida home of former Opry star Tammy Wynette.

Richard Sanders, aka Les Nessman, had a guest role on "Who’s The Boss," the ABC sitcom for which Opry member Steve Wariner recorded the theme song.

Howard Hesseman, aka Dr. Johnny Fever, once starred in the film "Honky Tonk Freeway" alongside Beverly D’Angelo, who played Opry star Patsy Cline in "Coal Miner’s Daughter."

Gordon Jump, aka "The Big Guy" aka Arthur Carlson, once starred as Mr. Thomassoulo in "Seinfeld," giving a Rascal (one of those power mobile carts) to a supposedly disabled George Costanza. The Scooter Store is a current Opry advertiser.

Jan Smithers, aka Bailey Quarters, was a "Battle Of The Network Stars VII" teammate with Judy Norton-Taylor, star of "The Waltons," which featured a family known to tune in to the radio including the Opry in the 1940s and 50s.

That was fun, Mary. Thanks for asking, and come see us again soon.
The Q&A Lady

Thanks for the question, Brian. It's so hot in Nashville right now, I needed an easy one like yours so I could get these old hands of mine off the computer keyboard and back to fanning myself. All you have to do is check out the "Tune In" page here at opry.com. It includes a link to wsmonline.com, where you can hear every single broadcast of the Opry as it is happening here in Music City. And those who don’t live across the pond can also check out how they can watch "Opry Live" on GAC (Great American Country) or CMT Canada or tune in to the syndicated radio show "America's Grand Ole Opry Weekend."

Now where did I set my fan?

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Oh, Cecilia, you're breaking my heart and shaking my confidence with that question!

I'm staying mum about the floating pink elephants, but I do know that the air gets thin up there in the Rocky Mountains and sometimes, what starts out as a harmless round of cocktails with the girls in the lodge can blossom into a game of truth or dare that finds a group of middle-aged snow bunnies on a downhill slalom to trouble! But that’s a different story.

I can assure you that Johnny Cash, though he did often appear onstage with his wife, June Carter Cash, mother-in-law Maybelle Carter, sisters-in-law, Helen and Anita Carter, as well as several daughters and step-daughters at one time or another, did not manage or front an all-girl band. HOWEVER, Cecilia, your man may have just been mistaken about who it was he saw performing with the group of lovely ladies, because during the 1980s, another Opry icon, Mr. Porter Wagoner, toured and performed frequently with the group The Right Combination, made up entirely of musicians of the fairer sex. I'd wager that man of yours saw Porter with The Right Combination, and remembered him incorrectly (it does happen sometimes, doesn't it!) as Johnny Cash. You'll have to ask him if the elephants were pink and floaty that night!

Thanks for asking,
The Q&A Lady

Dear Robert,

First of all, you have great taste in vocalists, even if I do say so. Secondly, I wish you had been tuned in to the great Bill Cody on 650 WSM last Friday when Country Charley Pride joined Bill in the studio. Charley was in town for his weekend Opry appearances, and sat down for a long on-air conversation. The two reminisced about how Charley sang with Dolly on “God’s Coloring Book,” a Gospel tune featured on Pride’s album PRIDE AND JOY: A GOSPEL MUSIC COLLECTION.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Larry,

I am big on nicknames around the Opry, but I’m not 100% sure I would take being called “Stringbean” a compliment. He was not exactly known for a keen sense of fashion, wearing a long shirt down to his knees and slacks that began where the shirt ended even before that look was accepted by today’s youth.

Born David Akeman in Annville, Kentucky, String was a master entertainer in the style of one of his mentors, Uncle Dave Macon. Unfortunately, String is probably most widely remembered these days because of the horrible way he died rather than the performances he gave on shows across the country as well as the Opry and “Hee Haw.” For on November 10, 1973, String and his wife Estelle were gunned down on their property outside Nashville by would-be burglars as the couple returned home from an Opry performance. I just read the locally-printed book “The Stringbean Murders” on a flight to San Diego last January, and learned interesting facts about String’s life and death I hadn’t before heard. One of the most fascinating pieces of information I learned was that in the days following String’s death before the murderers were apprehended, the Opry was surrounded by a pervasive fear that perhaps the killers would strike again. Due to a strange set of coincidences, Tom T. Hall, specifically, was at one point particularly concerned about the safety of his wife, Miss Dixie. I also did not realize until I landed upon the book that a saw stolen from the Akeman property that night and later admitted as evidence in the Akeman trial had been a gift from the “Mouth of the South,” comedian Jerry Clower. I’d love to tell you more about the contents of the book, Larry, but I lent it to a friend who has not yet returned it. (That’s you, Cherrie.)

The book has been out of print for several years, but you may be able to find a copy on Ebay or amazon.com or what have you. (Or you could do as I did and go to an auction in the middle of winter and buy a box of great stuff including kitchen refrigerator magnets, political buttons, and more—including “the Stringbean Murders”-- for a dollar. 

So there’s my personal report on your nickname in 400 words or less.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

That tune is called "Waiting on the Wind," and can be found on the younger Tillis' album THUNDER AND ROSES. The recorded version also includes both father and daughter sharing vocals. Pretty, pretty!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Miss Jo,

Hands off Vinny, girlfriend! I always thought the only good thing that ever came out of Alabama was Hank Williams, and by the looks of your email I was right. It also looks as if one ole Talladega hussy (that’s you) crawled out of the bowels of the Talladega Motor Speedway long enough last summer to try to dig her claws into Vince’s mandolin during a bluegrass show. Nice try. In the immortal words of my buddy Loretta Lynn, “You ain’t woman enough to take my man!”

Just kidding, Jo, we both know Vince is very much taken with his “Sweet Augusta Darlin’,” Amy Grant. But that won’t stop the two of us from hitting his shows, cheering him on, and admiring the man and his music-- emphasis on the man. When we do so, we will be surrounded by approximately 4,400 others at the Opry House and 2,200 others at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & a Lady

Dear Valerie,

I was so enchanted by the name of your town that I "Googled" it to see what I could find. No luck. Next on to the Weather Channel's site to see whether it was sunny or cloudy in Three Tree Creek. No sign of your town there, either. You must be out in the boonies, girlfriend! Please tell us more about your fair town. It is not often that your hometown can also be used as a tongue twister after a long night of honky tonking!

Alan Jackson sang "Wonderful Tonight," a tune written in 1976 by Eric Clapton while he was waiting for his then-girlfriend to get ready for an evening celebrating the music of Buddy Holly put together by Paul McCartney. The song was released in the 70s and again on a live album in 1991. Mr. Alan Jackson does not have a version of the tune available for purchase, but I did see his performance on YouTube while researching an answer for you.

Maybe if Alan ever does a concert in Three Tree Creek you can yell out a request for the beautiful tune. Great taste in songs ("Wonderful Tonight") and men (Mr. Alan Jackson), Val.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hi Jim,

You could be talking about a couple of different artists, each grand in her own right. Sheryl Crow added her vocals to “What You Give Away” in the studio and during a couple of appearances, most notably the CMA Awards.

But if you caught Mr. Wonderful Vince on “Opry Live” or on his absolutely incredible “These Days” tour, you marveled along with me at the voice of one Bekka Bramlett. Bekka is the daughter of Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, who achieved singing and songwriting success in the 1970s with a mix of country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. With her parents very active in music, young Bekka grew up with some of the biggest names in music—Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and others—visiting her family’s home.

Bekka is so incredibly talented her voice could have shone in any city, but I’m glad she made her way to Nashville. Her website recounts that the great Gill was among the first artists with whom she worked upon landing in Music City. “The first time I ever heard Bekka Bramlett sing,” Vince says, “was in the studio where I was recording my HIGH LONESOME SOUND record…"

“She just waltzes right in with this huge jaw-dropping voice that came flying out at us … and I can’t say that I have ever been so immediately affected in my life, let alone my career!” Vince added with his wonderful laugh, “I stood straight up outta my chair, and literally picked it up and tossed it out in the hallway. I think that chair cost me about a thousand bucks to replace it … but who cares? It was worth every penny!”

The great Alison Krauss says of Bekka “I don’t know how one woman can be the life of the party AND be the consummate pro at the same time. I love working with her.”

And I love seeing her perform, Jim. I could hardly keep my eyes off of her during Vince’s two-night stand at the Ryman Auditorium in April. Her voice has so much soul, and her face shares so much emotion. And I’m here to tell you, Jim, the lady has some moves. If I was about 50 years younger, it would probably be appropriate for me to tell you that at that Ryman show she “really got her groove on.” Alison knows how to call ‘em. That night Bekka Bramlett was the life of the party AND a pro all the way.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Joe,


Ole Bocephus doesn't come around as much as Opry fans would like him to, but let me tell you, son, when the man walks on the Opry stage, he makes up for lost time! There's an electricity in the air unlike that caused by almost any other artist. In fact, when he's been at the Opry during its Ryman months, I've stopped and wondered how much the crowd reacting to his songs sounds like the crowds in that same beautiful building giving his daddy encore after encore during his Opry debut.


Something in the blood, huh Joe?


Hank Jr. played a big part in two of the Opry's more memorable nights of the past few years. In January 2003 he took to the Opry stage alongside Vince Gill, Hank Williams III, and more commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hank Williams Sr. That same year, Hank, Marty Stuart, and Travis Tritt joined together on the Opry at the Ryman stage to pay tribute to their friend Waylon Jennings, who had passed away earlier in the week. Porter Wagoner called that one "the most exciting night I can ever remember at the Opry." Pretty impressive.


Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Jake,

You have to admit Opry membership is a pretty elite fraternity, as currently only 66 acts around the world can count themselves as Opry members. Little Jimmy Dickens is the Opry’s most tenured member, having joined the Opry cast in 1948. Mel Tillis is the Opry’s newest addition, having just joined the cast last weekend. Dierks Bentley joined as the youngest member in October 2005, and was the last addition before Mel. Will the Opry go another few years before expanding its ranks, or is last weekend's induction the start of a new trend? Stay tuned, Jake. Stay tuned.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Jason,

First of all, your question just reminded me that I had a dream last night that I was watching the old game show "$25,000 Pyramid" and the clue was "What Crystal Gayle might say." The contestant was pretty good—she said something like "Sister Loretta, let's go get ice cream." Now what in the world brought that dream on, Jason? And more importantly, why didn't the contestant in my dream hit it out of the ballpark with the clue, "Wow, my black hair sure is long as I stand here singing ‘Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.'"

Loretta's twins Patsy and Peggy are enjoying family life for the most part these days. I'm sure they enjoy time with their children, especially since their mother had to be away from home early in their lives. Patsy, named for her mother's great friend Patsy Cline, was looking beautiful a few weeks ago at a recording industry event honoring her mother. Miss Loretta looked great, too, of course.

Jason, for an inside comprehensive look at Loretta and her family, I highly recommend a trip to her ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. You'll see the gorgeous home featured in the movie you've seen so many times, and when you tour that home, you'll see the actual kitchen in which Loretta, Doolittle, and the twins about whom you asked filmed those great Crisco commercials from the 70s. After your tour of Loretta's former residence, cross the road and visit Loretta's Museum full of items from Loretta's life as well as gifts from many of the friends she's made through the years. You'll see the gown in which she accepted a Grammy, the Jeep Doolittle drove for years around the ranch, and great video clips of Loretta TV show appearances. Gifts from friends include everything from photos of Loretta with Tammy Wynette to stage clothing worn by Linda Davis to Barbara Bush's oversized, stretched yellow heels.

You'll drive away from Hurricane Mills feeling like a part of Loretta's extended family.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

I'm sure your mother would be quite touched to receive from you a copy of "No Charge" by Miss Melba Montgomery. Melba hit the top of the charts with that one back in 1974 as Betty Ford was about to become the nation’s First Lady and as "Maude" was the First Mom of television. You’ll also remember Melba for some killer duets with George Jones, including the wonderful "We Must Have Been out of Our Minds," which you can still hear every once in a while on the great 650 WSM.

Melba is still writing great songs, and you can catch her every once in a while at writers’ nights around town. Her daughter is married to producer Blake Chancey (Kellie Pickler, Dixie Chicks, Mary Chapin Carpenter) and is always one of the loveliest ladies at any given music industry event in which she is in attendance.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hello, Gloria. I remember “A Little Black Mustache” from years and years ago. I could be wrong (let me know, dear readers, if I am), but I do not recall it having been recorded by an artist of a country persuasion. I always thought of that as a folk song somehow. Again, correct me if I am wrong. I have printed the lyrics to “Little Black Mustache” below. By the way, Gloria, who would you say has the best mustache in country music? I think I’d say Alan Jackson has the best mustache today and that Marty Robbins had one of the best of his day. Tennessee Ernie Ford’s ‘stache did nothing for me, Gloria.

Though “I’m Leaving It All Up To You” has been recorded by several artists, the version I think I’d get my hands on if I was you is the cut by Freddy Fender. I was surprised when looking back, Gloria, that Fender’s version was not a particularly huge chart hit, never breaking the Top 20 on the singles chart.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

VERSE 1
Oh, once I had a charming beau
I loved him dear as life
And once't I thought th time would come
When I would be his wife
His pockets they were filled with gold
You bet he cuts a dash
With his diamind ring and his watch and chain
And his little black mustache

VERSE 2
O, th little black mustache
Th darling black mustache
And every time I think of him
My heart beats quick and fast
And you must know, I've got'a beau
That wears a black mustache

VERSE 3
He said, we'd live in th grandest style
For he had lots a cash
And then he pressed upon my lips
Th darling black mustache
Then came along a sour ole maid
Just worth her weight, in gold
She had false teeth, she wore false hair
An' was forty-nine years ole

VERSE 4
He cool'ly deserted me
For that ole maids cash
And now you know, I've lost a beau
That wears th black mustache

Great name, Utoka! You must tell me—is that a family name? And might I suggest you develop a special okra recipe to take to church carry-in dinners so the dish can be known far and wide as Utoka Okra? I’m seeing skillet-fried breaded okra with bacon and parmesan cheese, perhaps topped with grilled shrimp and freshly sliced tomatoes.

Everywhere I go, it seems everyone has an opinion about who should be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. It seems if you have strong feelings Barbara Mandrell should be inducted, your campaign will have to be broad and far-reaching. For Hall of Fame membership is in the hands of the Country Music Association, and a secret panel of leaders chosen by the CMA makes the decision. You can get the whole scoop as told by my friends at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at the Hall’s website. http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/site/experience-inductees-election.aspx

Some fun facts from the Hall: Its very first inductees were Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose, and Hank Williams. Patsy Cline was the first solo female inductee in 1973, and Minnie Pearl was the first comedian elected in 1975. Jimmy Dickens brings tears to my eyes when he recounts his surprise Hall of Fame induction in 1983.

I’ll give you your Barbara Mandrell, Utoka, and say if it was up to me, I’d be suggesting names like Don Williams, Mel Tillis, Tom T. Hall, Ronnie Milsap, and Emmylou Harris. With a new category aimed at inducting one newer act per year, artists such as Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, and Garth Brooks should be getting their due in the relatively near future.

Good luck with the Utoka Okra.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hello Dianne,

That lady’s name was Del Wood, an Opry member from 1953 until her untimely death at age 69 in 1989. Born Polly Adelaide Hendricks in February 1920, Ms. Wood was called Del so that radio audiences of the day would not know she was female. (Thank goodness times have changed, Dianne.) Del Wood was quite a lady and a gift to the Opry and Nashville community. She played the fire out of any number of tunes on the Opry stage, but I have to tell you there was nothing like hearing her tickle the ivories on “Down Yonder.” It’s kind of like when Skeeter Davis would step up to the mic and sing “Why does the sun go on shining…” or when Loretta Lynn launches into “well I was borned a coal miner’s daughter…” They could sing something else, and I’d still enjoy it, but there’s just nothing like when an artist’s signature song is also your personal favorite and they sing it (or in Del’s case, play it) for the Opry audience. Del’s honky tonk style has been cited as an influence by Jerry Lee Lewis, and she earned the title “Queen of the Ragtime Pianists.”

The sheet music for “Down Yonder” should be available in almost any music store in America, or online, for that matter. “Down Yonder” went to the Top 5 of the country charts in 1951, and another version was also a Top 5 pop hit.

Del played the Opry literally until just days before she died of a stroke. Among other things, she proved that a woman’s place was wherever she wanted to be, and I miss her.

Thanks for asking,
The Q&A Lady

My, oh my! An international fan! Well aren’t I just the cat’s pajamas (gato pijama, to you, mi amigo)! If Opry member George Hamilton IV is the International Ambassador of Country Music, I think I’ll call myself the Ambassador Lady.

While I have sung along to the Martha White tune for years and years, I must admit I wasn’t absolutely sure of the answer to your question from across the pond, B.J. When in doubt, I like so many others turn to my young friend Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs. Steady Eddie was quick to tell me that the Martha White Jingle played on the Opry during the Martha White segment is not Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs.  As you may know, the dynamic bluegrass duo dissolved their partnership in 1969. Lester retained the Martha White sponsorship and when he was on the 8 PM Opry segment, he would do the theme song live.  The version played on the Opry was recorded at the WSM studio (then on Knob Road where local station WSMV remains) back in the early-mid 1970's and is by Lester Flatt and The Nashville Grass.

Of course in recent years the song has been played live on the Opry by a wide variety of acts including IBMA Entertainers of the Year The Grascals and Rhonda Vincent. I remember thinking to myself as I sat in the audience, “Now, Rhonda, you had better stay away from baking mixes and an open flame with that dress on. I’m not sure those sequins and feathers are not flammable.”

Good to hear from you, BJ. Let’s stay in touch in English. Unfortunately, this ole gal has forgotten most of the Spanish words she once knew. As for the Spanish sailors she once knew-- well that’s a different story altogether.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Tim, 

Tammy Wynette could really tear your heart out when she sang, to borrow a line from her ex-husband George Jones’ anthem “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes.” The thing is, Tim, that Tammy passed away in 1998. The great First Lady of Country Music was not an Opry member at the time of her death, but even if she had been she wouldn’t technically be included in a rundown of the current Opry cast. Let’s think of it like your family’s big holiday dinner. Those who have passed on to the other side are always in your thoughts as you gather together, yet you don’t necessarily set out a place setting for them. You could think of Opry members in the same way, I suppose. Dear friends like Del Wood, Skeeter Davis, Bashful Brother Oswald, Ernest Tubb and the others will always be a part of the Opry’s heritage, legacy, and family—- they’re just not listed as current Opry members. You might think of it in terms of the number one requirement for current Opry membership is to be a living, breathing soul.

Now don’t get me wrong. There’s not a soul at the Opry who doesn’t acknowledge daily that all of the artists who came before are with us still in one way or another. Roy Acuff and Grandpa Jones’ stories are told on nearly every backstage tour. Patsy Cline’s music still rings out as sung by new voices. Even opry.com lists artists who were Opry members from the 1920s to today. (Check out the timeline pages of the site.) But I think the Opry is sometimes confused with the Country Music Hall of Fame, in which the most influential persons in country music’s past and present—from the very much alive George Strait to the long-since deceased Jimmie Rodgers are enshrined. No trip to Nashville is complete without both.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Frank,

Thanks for coming to visit the Tuesday Night Opry. You heard T. Graham Brown singing the heartfelt “Wine Into Water.” The tune can be found on T’s 1998 album of the same name. You can tell that his “T-Ness” has “been there, done that” when he sings so passionately about battles with (and a victory over) the bottle.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hi Viv,

I don’t know why I always get a kick out of folks trying to make country artists with the same last name kin, but I do. I snickered to myself when someone asked if Jan Howard and Rebecca Lynn Howard were related. I laughed more loudly when asked if Bill Anderson was Lynn Anderson’s daddy.

Maybe we should just create an exhaustive list and place it on the site somewhere. It’d go something like this:

Related:

• Hank Williams / Hank Williams Jr.
• Mel Tillis  / Pam Tillis
• George Morgan / Lorrie Morgan
• Loretta Lynn / Crystal Gayle
• Johnny Cash / Tommy Cash / Rosanne Cash
• Ernest Tubb / Justin Tubb

Not Related:

• Ricky Van Shelton / Blake Shelton 
• Hank Williams Jr / Kid Rock 
• Bill Anderson / Lynn Anderson
• Jan Howard / Rebecca Lynn Howard
• Johnny Lee / Dickey Lee / Brenda Lee / Robin Lee
• Cal Smith / Carl Smith / Connie Smith / Margo Smith / Sammi Smith
• Earl Thomas Conley / John Conlee / Con Hunley
• Garth Brooks / Kix Brooks
• Mac Davis / Skeeter Davis
• George Jones / Grandpa Jones

This is just the beginning of both lists, obviously. I’ll take a notepad on my beach trip this summer and come back with a complete list for you Viv. 

And while I am not technically related to either Young Josh Turner or Vince Gill, the dream I had about them last night would make me their wife according to the laws of the US Territory of Guam, the Canary Islands, and certain remote counties in Montana.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Mercy, Dody, I believe you’re thinking of the song “Mercy Now” by Mary Gauthier, who set the Americana world on fire with her album of the same name a couple of years ago. The project received critical praise both in America and across the pond with glowing words such as these from “The Washington Post:” “This new disc is one of the year's best singer songwriter efforts; even the presence of songs by Harlan Howard and Fred Eaglesmith do nothing to eclipse the power of Gauthier's originals". Pretty powerful testimony, Dody!

I remember the opry.com staff received lots of passionate emails about Gauthier’s Opry performance in the days following her appearance, both applauding the Opry for having her on the show and some not as kind words about the message of her selections that night. Personally, Dody, I loved that February ’06 night at the Opry featuring Gauthier’s songs plus a diverse array of artists including Marty Stuart, Charley Pride, Patty Loveless, Porter Wagoner, and many more. I’m glad you did, too.

And I’ll tell you what— to read Mary Gauthier’s bio is to read the script of a wonderful movie full of tragedy and triumph, hope and despair. I did not meet Gauthier that night last year when she made her Opry debut, but the next time she’s on I vow now that I’ll walk up and tell her how much I enjoyed her first night at the Opry and how I am looking forward to new music from her.

Thanks for asking, 
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Les,

My guess is you're thinking of the David Frizzell and Shelly West hit, "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma." I hear John Deere sales were up the year that one hit the top of the charts!  Must have been 1981, because that's the year I saw Any Which Way You Can at the drive-in, which featured the song. Rumor has it, Clint Eastwood liked the song so much he personally added it to the film. Did you know Eastwood also recorded the duet "Beers To You" with Ray Charles on that same soundtrack? Unfortunately, they did not take home the "Vocal Duo of the Year" award for the performance; the Academy of Country Music gave that honor to Mr. Frizzell and Ms. West. "You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma" also won the Country Music Association's "Song of the Year" and "Vocal Duet of the Year."

Shelly West is the daughter of country legend Dottie West. She and David had a string of hits in the early 80's, but she soon decided to leave the spotlight and hasn't made much music since. Mr. Frizzell actually just released a brand new song called "Water Makes Her Clothes Stay On." I'll have to ask Joe Nichols what he thinks about that one when I see him perform at the Opry this weekend.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Dee, 

“Lucky Moon” was a Top 10 hit for the Oak Ridge Boys in 1991, giving the guys Top 10’s in three straight decades. The 70s brought the breakthrough smash “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” as well as “I’ll be true To You,” “Dream On,” and others, while the 80s delivered chart-toppers such as “Elvira,” “American Made,” and “Bobbie Sue.” “Lucky Moon” was the Oaks’ most recent Top 10. The group took home CMA Vocal Group honors in 1978 and continue to tear it up on the road.  

Lead singer Duane Allen’s lovely wife can be seen on the Opry stage as part of background vocal group the Carol Lee Singers almost every night the big red curtain goes up. 

I’m looking forward to catching up with the Oaks next month when they return to the Opry. 

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Susan,

Ferlin Husky took “Wings of a Dove” to number one in the fall of 1960 and kept it there for ten solid weeks. A great tune, indeed, Susan. Til my dying day I shall never forget Mr. Ferlin’s rendition of the song at the Opry House on the occasion of the local musician’s union’s 100th Anniversary in October 2000.

Ray Price was on hand that night. He knocked ‘em dead.

Willie Nelson was also on stage that evening. Incredible performance from the red headed stranger.

Brenda Lee was there. She rocked around the Christmas tree like she’d never rocked around a Christmas tree before.

It was the night Bobby Bare took everyone in attendance to “Detroit City” one more time.

But for me, the show hit its crescendo when the familiar first few chords of “Wings of a Dove” rang from the stage and Mr. Ferlin, clad in snow white from head to toe (jacket, shirt, slacks, socks, shoes—the works—all white) came running out (or was it a strut? or maybe a skip? or a combination of the three?) threw his head back like Foghorn Leghorn getting ready to shout something on cartoon television, and launched into an absolutely unforgettable version of “Wings.” I guess the best way I know to describe it, Susan, is that it was “empowering.” They say you never know who is swimming naked until the tide goes out, but I’ll tell you Mr. Ferlin could have swam naked (proverbially, mind you) that night. The musicians around him that night were impeccable, but he didn’t really need ‘em. He just needed that voice and that confidence on stage. I will never, ever forget it.

Of course the tune has been re-recorded countless times and is a staple at funerals of country music fans. You probably heard that Opry favorite Joe Nichols sang the song at the long-delayed funeral of Anna Nicole Smith in the Bahamas. The two met on the same Opry stage where I’d watched Mr. Ferlin deliver “Wings of a Dove” five years earlier.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Ashleigh,

It’s good to hear from Marion, again, though the name of that fine establishment makes my old tummy rumble. I long for a big plate of barbecue nachos with extra magic dust! I actually recall when Billy Ray Cyrus made his way to Marion just because it seemed like a script for an episode of “the Andy Griffith Show” or some other show about small town life. Billy Ray had been booked months earlier to play a Marion festival on Independence Day Weekend 1992. Between the day the fine civic leaders of Marion inked a contract with Billy Ray and the day the star was to appear at a Marion Knights of Columbus celebration, Cyrus’ career literally exploded. And I mean, EXPLODED, Ashleigh! He’d just made ladies’ hearts go pitter-patter at Fan Fair, had started a national dance craze with “Achy Breaky Heart”, and was on top of all the album charts (ALL of them, including the pop charts) with his debut album, SOME GAVE ALL. He was being sought after for stories in “People,” “US,” and the like, and there he was in small town America on the biggest holiday of the summer putting on a good country show for good Midwestern folks. I don’t know him as well as some other artists, Ashleigh, but what I do know about Billy Ray is all good. Any time we have ever asked him for anything to benefit a charity or what have you, he’s always been there. And I’ve personally witnessed him go out of his way to thank his fans for the success he’s enjoyed.

You heard right when you heard he’ll be featured on the next season of “Dancing With The Stars,” which begins March 19 on ABC. He’s up against NBA star Clyde Drexler, John Ratzenberger (aka Cliff from “cheers”), Leeza Gibbons, and others, including Paul McCartney’s ex, Heather Mills. After the way the tabloids say she treated Sir Paul, surely Billy Ray can kick her tail with his hands tied behind his achy breaky back. For that matter, I’ll bet she’ll fare worse than any other Mills they could have chosen. Soap star Donna Mills. “Parent Trap” actress Haley Mills. Photographer Olan Mills.

Good luck Billy Ray! 

Enjoy the barbecue, Ashleigh, and thanks for asking.
The Q & A Lady

Dear Judy,

I spent some time in England several years ago, but the best country music I found was on a jukebox outside of Grantham, a little town near Nottingham, at a small pub called the Gregory Arms. Good brew. Good tunes. I’d put in a few pence and let those Patsy Cline and Ernest Tubb records sing me back home. I’m happy to report that though Porter Wagoner had a health scare about six months ago, he’s marking his return to the Opry for his first scheduled appearance in some time this very weekend. Porter made a surprise visit to the show along with Marty Stuart at the Ryman a few weeks ago, but this time he’s really back… listed on the artist line-up and all!

It looks like it’s shaping up to be quite a year for Porter. He celebrated his 50th Opry anniversary at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop last week, and they’re planning a 50th celebration in his honor at the Opry later this spring. I’ll pass on details when I hear them, or I’m sure the young folks who work on the opry.com site will make sure they spread the word when everything comes together, as well. Young Marty produced a new record on Porter, and the early word is there’s some really good work on it. The project will be out this spring, as well.

The Wagonmaster just made his way to LA (Los Angeles, not Lower Alabama) a couple of weeks ago to appear on stage with his new labelmate Neko Case, who made a rather interesting appearance at an Opry Plaza Party a few years back.

We all wish Porter well. It’ll be fun to see him this weekend.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Darren,

Indeed, the father-and-daughter duo did perform on the Opry during their hit-making days. Those days included successes such as “Pittsburgh Steelers,” “It Don’t Feel Like Sinnin’ To Me,” “Thank God For The Radio,” and of course the monster smash (and CMA Single of the Year award-winning) “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away.” I must say I could sleep better at night tapping my toe to that one when it was re-recorded by Kelly Willis a few years ago rather than a daddy and his sweet young daughter. We lost Royce in 1998, but young Jeannie has found some success in the world of bluegrass with her pretty, clear voice.

I say if listening to the deceased Royce is what it takes to get you through those long, hard Wisconsin winters, more power to ya. Don’t tell anyone, but every once in a while I drag out photos of my high school beaus and talk to them like they are still around. Sometimes I think I like it better that way. When I feel like they’re disagreeing with me, I just put them back in the box and to the top of the hall closet they go.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Kitty,

I have always loved that tune, called “Ashokan Farewell.” In investigating an answer to your question, I was heartened to see that its composer admitted he was a little embarrassed in the early days after having written such a beautiful piece by the emotions of sadness and despair that came over him when playing the tune. I can’t explain it, Kitty, but that music— beautiful, though it may be— just heavies my heart and puts a lump in my throat every time I hear it. I guess that’s music for you, huh, Kitty? You can read about the piece which was, indeed, heard throughout the Ken Burns Civil War documentary by clicking here.

I guess I am putty in Mike Snider’s hands. 

On one hand, he keeps me laughing at jokes such as the one about the lady and her schnauzer. (Have you hear that one, Kitty? When I listened to it for the first time, I was absolutely humiliated to be laughing so hard at something so very wrong! But I just couldn’t stop. Thank heavens I had a kerchief in my purse, as I was so tickled I cried.) 

On the other hand, he can play a song such as the one you heard last month with such sincerity that I reach in my purse for that same hanky to wipe away a tear of another kind.

Maybe it’s Mike. Maybe it’s the jokes. Maybe it’s the music. Maybe it’s my nerve pills.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Lesa,

First, I have to tell you, Lesa, I just always get a little thrill when someone who shares the name of a celebrity (or in your case a famed fictional character) writes in to yours truly. You can count on me to keep any jokes about “The Simpsons” to myself.

Second, you have great timing, as your question arrived on the very day I received a copy of an upcoming CD by Kathie Baillie, herself. Kathie was the lead singer of Baillie and the Boys, which also included her husband Michael Bonagura and longtime friend Alan LeBeouf. The trio enjoyed late 80s/early 90s success with songs such as “(I Wish I Had A) Heart Of Stone” and “Fool Such As I.” 

Baillie goes solo on this latest effort titled “Love’s Funny That Way” due in stores Feb. 20, but the CD is very much still a family affair as husband Michael produced the record and daughter Alyssa contributes backing vocals. Both husband and daughter also co-wrote material that made its way onto the project. Also on the project is my very own Mr. Wonderful Vince Gill, who appears on Baillie’s version of his self-penned hit “Never Knew Lonely.” “He’s not only a dear friend,” Baillie says of Vince, “he is one of my favorite singer-songwriters.” Amen, Kathie Baillie! You can bet if there is ever a “Q & A Lady and the Boys” I won’t come calling on your guys Michael Bonagura and Alan LeBeouf. No ma’am, I’ll have Vince Gill as boy number one and Young Josh Turner as boy number two with Alan Jackson on standby in case of emergency!

Baillie was always known around Tune Town as having a crystal clear voice, and Nashville music critic and all-around good guy Robert K. Oermann writes that she certainly hasn’t lost a thing. “Kathie remains one of our most powerful female vocalists,” Oermann says in Music Row magazine. “Her comeback single (and the album’s title track) is a pop-country pile driver with a big, fat, soaring, chiming melody that shows off her still-mighty interpretive chops.” I put great trust in Bob Oermann’s taste, Lesa, especially since he had the good sense to visit my yard sale last September!

Now get back to practicing that saxophone before Principal Skinner calls you to his office!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Gary,

I am far too defined a lady to call you crazy without even having met you, so let’s just say your brother may very well be a great judge of character! Bill Anderson, who will celebrate his 70th birthday this November 1st, would have been only 10 years old when his daughter was born if he truly was Lynn Anderson’s daddy. Ms. “Rose Garden” also celebrates a milestone birthday next fall, marking the big 6-0 on September 26. You may not be quite as crazy as your brother thinks, though, as Lynn is, indeed, the offspring of two country personalities. Her father Casey was a successful music publisher, while mother Liz enjoyed chart success in the 1960s and has the claim to fame of having penned Merle Haggard’s first Top 10 hit, “(My Friends Are Going To Be) Strangers.” I also want to share, Gary, a quote I read about the North Dakota native when researching the answer to your question. Melvin Shestack says in “The Country Music Encyclopedia” that Lynn has “hair the length and color of North Dakota winter wheat.” I’m not sure how I’d take that if I was her. Probably the way I took it when I was once told I looked as if I’d spent a cold winter night in the cornfield!

Opry member Bill has three adult children, none of whom have ever promised me a rose garden . . . or anything else, for that matter.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear John,

Folks are going to think I’m choosing which question to answer depending upon how hungry I am when I’m browsing through the emails country fans send my way (I went on and on a week or two ago about some great barbecue I enjoyed over the holidays in Marion, Illinois), but your correspondence caught my eye when I saw you were from Morganfield, Kentucky, former home of another of my all-time favorite eating establishments, Peak Brothers Barbecue. I was horrified—utterly horrified—- to hear the restaurant had burned a month or two ago. I’m telling you, John, if I had been traveling down Highway 60 between Corydon and Morganfield that fateful day and had seen flames shooting from Peak’s, I would have been tempted to crawl inside that burning building in hopes of salvaging just one more order of mouth-watering barbecue pepper ham! So good. So very, very good. I remember going into Peak’s, ordering a few pounds of the delicious pork dish to bring back to Nashville, and enjoying the great country music on the jukebox near the cash register just outside the bar while I waited for my order to be served. Have mercy, John, and tell me there are plans to rebuild the place.

Your question is a familiar one, and one which has caused an argument or two in Tune Town. It is widely known that the King of Country Music, Roy Acuff, opened the first show at the Opry House with his wonderful “Wabash Cannonball.” The last show at the Ryman causes some disagreements from time to time, but the answer is a rather simple one. George Morgan closed the last Opry performance at the Ryman with his signature song “Candy Kisses.” But following that Opry performance, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, the Carter Family, and others closed out a non-Opry performance of gospel music with the standard “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” Looking back, that’s really as it should have been, too, don’t you think, John?

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady.

Dear Val,

The Johnnie and Jack listed on the site is the famed duo of Johnnie Wright and Jack Anglin. The two were regulars on the Louisiana Hayride before joining the Opry in 1952. You can’t listen to 650 WSM’s Eddie Stubbs too terribly long without getting a good history lesson on the importance of Johnnie and Jack and of their rightful place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Their songs such as “I Get So Lonely” and “Poison Love” have certainly stood the test of time and are so fun to listen for on 650 on these cold winter nights. In addition to the duo’s great music, a synopsis of the career of Johnnie and Jack always includes Johnnie’s happy marriage to the Queen of Country Music, Miss Kitty Wells, and Jack’s tragic death in the dark days following the plane crash that took the lives of Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and Randy Hughes. Jack was enroute to Cline’s memorial service when he was killed in an automobile accident. Friends have said that Johnnie and Miss Kitty were told the horrific news at the memorial service, itself. Those should be the plots of Lifetime movies, Val, NOT country music!

Johnnie did solo work following Jack’s death, and hit number one in 1965 with “Hello Vietnam.” He also recorded with wife Kitty and for years hit the road with the Queen of Country Music performing their family show. I’ll never forget attending such a show in the early 70’s in the tiny town of Keyesport, Illinois. We were driving to the show and stopped to pick up two folks who were walking alongside the road headed for the show. After we had arrived and taken our seats that day, a local fellow came out to get everything rolling and asked the mayor of Keyesport and his wife to stand. Lo and behold it was the couple to whom we’d given a lift! It’s funny what we commit to memory, Val. Of everything that happened that day, I remember that couple, some of the great family music we heard, and the delicious hot dog I purchased from one of the vendors.

Johnnie and Miss Kitty still live in Madison, Tennessee, just a few miles from the Opry House. In classic “only in Nashville” fashion, one of my dear friends saw Johnnie in the couple’s car in the Kroger parking lot not long ago and Miss Kitty inside placing canned pineapple in her buggy, among other items.

I can not tell you anything, really, about Jack Suttles, but I’ll ask around here at the Opry. And if any other readers have information to share about Suttles, I’ll send it your way.

Stay warm up there in Manitoba, Val.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Ramona, 

The Wilburn Brothers joined the Opry in 1953 after having first been part of the cast of the Louisiana Hayride. Two of my favorites from the Wilburns are “Trouble’s Back In Town” and “Roll Muddy River,” which we often hear IBMA Entertainers of the Year The Grascals doing today. Doyle Wilburn died in 1982, and Teddy continued with solo Opry membership until his death in November 2003. The Wilburns are widely regarded as having made an impact on country music not only with their own recording career, but also playing instrumental parts in the career paths of folks like Loretta Lynn, Webb Pierce, and Patty Loveless.

The Wilburns were dear to their fans, Ramona, and I recall that even their mother was the object of much fan adoration. I made my way to Teddy Wilburn’s estate sale almost a year after he’d passed away and was not surprised to find lots of fan mail for Teddy there as well as sympathy cards from around the world that had been saved after his dear mother had passed away. (That plus a Bruce Jenner Olympics jacket. . . )

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Raymond,

Your inquiry caught my eye because I remember seeing the name of your hometown on an Interstate sign as I was driving through Illinois over the holidays. As I recall, Herrin is located close to Marion, where my fellow travelers and I stopped to stretch our legs. I’ll tell you what, Raymond, other cities and regions of the country claim to be the barbecue capitals of the world, but I’d have to put Marion in the running. We stopped at a nice little restaurant called 17th Street, and I enjoyed some of the best barbecue of my life. How on Earth has that been such a well-kept secret? I’m thinking of all the reasons I can to head North just for another stop there. I must say it rivals Knoth’s Barbecue near Grand Rivers, Kentucky— another little joint I enjoy just off the interstate between Music City and the Land of Lincoln.

But you didn’t write in about barbecue, now did you Ray?

Dottsy (notice the correct spelling) is a very pretty Texas-born singer who enjoyed some chart success in the 1970s. She recorded “Storms Never Last” a few years before the version by Jessi Colter and Waylon Jennings we hear most often on classic country radio today was released. Oddly enough, both the Dottsy version and Colter/Jennings version hit number 17 on the charts. Dottsy, herself, had a single with Waylon called “Tryin’ to Satisfy You.” It hit number 12 on the charts in 1979. If you listen to the Opry on the radio or the Internet frequently, you’ve heard another song Dottsy took to number 22 on the charts, “It Should Have Been Easy.” The Whites led by Sharon White as lead vocalist sing that tune on the Opry every once in a while, and do a bang-up job on the number. Their family harmony is tight, tight, tight on lines such as, “It should have been oh so easy to do, but I’m still getting’ over you.” I remember hearing that song when Dottsy released it in 1977 and buying a “Country Song Round-Up” magazine to get all the song’s lyrics. Loved it then by Dottsy; love it now by The Whites.

I don’t recall having ever had the opportunity to meet Dottsy, who toured extensively with Johnny Rodriguez. There was always something about her natural look and sound that made me think of Skeeter Davis. As I understand it, Dottsy left the music business 25 years ago to work with autistic and special needs children.  

Thanks for asking, Raymond.
The Q & A Lady

Dear Rodny,

Hank Snow sang the classic “I’ve Been Everywhere” on many a Grand Ole Opry show, but he hasn’t moved from Nashville’s Spring Hill Cemetery since late December 1999. You can find the cemetery at 5110 Gallatin Pike, just a short drive up Briley Parkway North from the Grand Ole Opry House. In addition to the Singing Ranger, Opry patriarch Roy Acuff also rests at Spring Hill, with his grave clearly marked and visible from one of the cemetery’s Gallatin Road entrances. Numerous country legends now call the green, green grasses of Spring Hill home, but the staff there says a great percentage of fans who make their way there are most interested in visiting the grave of Keith Whitley, who passed away in 1989. His widow Lorrie Morgan’s spot will be waiting for her one day next to Whitley, and Morgan’s Opry member father lies not far away.

I hope you enjoy your summertime trip to Nashville, paying homage to country music’s past and enjoying every moment of its present! And I hope I’m still among the living when you hit US soil!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Richard,

The tune has been sung by some of country’s greatest stylists, but the definitive version was recorded by one of Brad’s musical heroes, the great Buck Owens. I just bought a Buck Christmas album including that tune, and it is just great. Makes this ole gal want to get up and shimmy around the Christmas tree.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Hey Joe,

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Johnny Russell passed away. The songwriter/performer/comedian died on July 3, 2001, leaving behind some great songs and more importantly some wonderful memories. I was talking with the Opry’s great Vince Gill the other day, and he said that one of his all-time favorite remembrances from the Opry is a moment he shared with Russell several years ago. Vince said that Johnny and some friends invited him to go get something to eat between shows. Vince decided to stay at the Opry, and when Russell (who, I should point out, was never afraid to poke fun at his rather portly figure) returned Vince said to him, “Johnny, what did you have? A meat and seven?” The line got a laugh out of Russell all those years ago and still got a chuckle out of Vince just a few weeks ago.

You can still find lots of great Johnny Russell music from “Act Naturally” to “Catfish John,” to your fave, “Redneck…” Enjoy!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Lynn,

You can tell your dear ole dad that while he might get lucky and find Jimmy C. on the road someday, his best bet is likely to make a trip to the Opry, where the beloved Cajun performs several times each month. Jimmy C. celebrated 50 years with the Opry in August surrounded by friends and fellow Opry members. I cut my beach trip short by a day to return in time to say congrats to one of my Opry favorites (and to feast on the great Cajun cookin’ served up in Studio A in his honor!) AAAAAAA-EEEEEE!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Carl,

Anyone who can master the art of “puttering” is A-OK in my book! I love to putter, and I love to say I’ve been puttering. Call me any Saturday morning in the wintertime and ask what I’m up to and my answer will almost always involve puttering of some sort.
Something like “Oh, just puttering around the kitchen baking a few things.”
Or “I’m just puttering around the back room sorting things for a yard sale.”
Or “I’m over here puttering around in my turtleneck and scarf just trying to stay warm.”
You get the idea.

Anyway, I’m happy to report that the next time you make your way to Nashville and putter around the Opry House, you will likely see the statue of the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe proudly on display. From time to time the statue is moved to protect it in case the lobby is overly crowded with guests or is being used for a special event. Rest assured that not only will Mr. Monroe’s music live on at the Opry for years and years to come, so, too, will his statue speak to his enormous musical and personal legacy.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Kathleen,

I saw the Tennessee Plowboy with my own two eyes at the annual BMI Awards and dinner less than two weeks ago. The country legend landed songs in the Top 20 in five decades. It’s pretty astonishing to think that Arnold was named to the Country Music Hall of Fame (an honor often thought of as bookending one’s career) 40 years ago! The next year he was named CMA’s Entertainer of the Year, and he’s toured internationally, hit the top of the charts, filmed videos, and so much more in the years since.

Young Josh Turner has said that he’s run into Arnold in restaurants in Brentwood, Tennessee, and that the Hall of Famer has been wonderful at dispensing some good career advice, including telling him not to be afraid to cut love songs women will love. Now if I could only get Eddy to tell young Josh that it would be a good career move for him to be seen out on the town or in the back seat of a car in the arms of a certain mature, bespectacled opry.com columnist.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Thomas, 

The Duke’s real name was Whitey Ford. The Country Music Hall of Famer was born in DeSoto, Missouri rather than Paducah, Kentucky, the city from which he took his beloved character’s name.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Anita,

What a lovely name for a city. Seagrove: that sounds delightful. I’m afraid I can’t help you with your first question, as I don’t have the full artist line-up for that show. I am quite pleased to tell you, however, that Vern “the Voice” Gosdin is still alive and kickin’ in Music City. In fact, our little Donelson, Tennessee free newspaper I check every week for its political cartoons and estate sale ads ran a short story about Vern just a couple of weeks ago. In it he said that he was doing pretty well considering his health struggles in recent years and enjoyed his days and nights chatting it up with the staff and customers of various Music Valley haunts including the Cracker Barrel and John A’s. Come on back for another Tune Town visit, Anita, and you just might see the one they call The Voice again!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Don, 

Thanks for visiting us! You’re right, that was quite a week of shows in Nashville.You remind me how often my friends and I who are lucky enough to live in Tune Town let opportunities to see great music in our own backyard slip by. There are so many great, great artists to see virtually every night. Just between Friday and Monday I was fortunate enough to see Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood, Travis Tritt, LeAnn Rimes, The Del McCoury Band, John Anderson, Rodney Crowell, Glen Campbell, and the incomparable Jimmy Webb, among many others. What a fabulous, fabulous town! Then last night we dropped by a soirée celebrating the upcoming release by Sugarland, one of my favorite new acts of recent years. The way to my heart is not only with those smooth chocolatey vocals and that mandolin on the act’s new single, but also with tasty food. Fitting the group’s “Enjoy The Ride” CD title, they sat up a carnival-like atmosphere at the Music City Motorplex, former home of my beloved Fan Fair. I reminisced about the good old days of sweltering Fan Fair afternoons, of watching fans from across the country meet the hottest stars of the day, and of sweating in places old ladies like me don’t talk about. Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush provided lots of treats I remember from those Fan Fair days, too—cotton candy, pretzels, corn dogs, funnel cakes, you name it!

But enough of my name-dropping and food sharing.

The CMA creates a blue-ribbon panel to elect the new class of the Country Music Hall of Fame each year, and each year’s inductees fall into categories related to years of prominence, role in country music (performer/non-performer), etc. One of the favorite pastimes of folks like me in Nashville is to sit back and talk about folks who should be included in the Hall of Fame. While there’s no doubt that icons like Vince Gill and Alan Jackson will one day be awarded the honor, others such as your nominee the great Don Williams, Mel Tillis, and Emmylou Harris are due the honor, too. Tune in to the CMA Awards in a couple of weeks to see this year’s inductees George Strait, Sonny James, and Harold Bradley take their places amongst luminaries including Loretta Lynn, Kitty Wells, and Bill Monroe.

Thanks for asking!
The Q&A Lady

Dear Dan,

I do, too, Dan. I do, too.

While Whitley was not an Opry member at the time of his death, you must remember he left us far too soon and had a whole career of accomplishments ahead of him when he died at age 33 on May 9, 1989. Even his CMA Award came posthumously for his single “I’m No Stranger to the Rain.” I’ll never forget returning from a trip to London, England to hear the tragic news of his death. Thank goodness for his timeless recordings, Dan.
 
Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Randy,

Thanks for the kind words on our dear friend Skeeter. Frequent readers know I have a soft spot in my heart for those who keep her memory alive and remember what a dear soul she was. You’re right about Ms. Jean Shepard—she’s been with the Opry longer than any other female artist on the current Opry cast, having celebrated 50 years with the Opry last November. The great Wilma Lee Cooper is next in line to celebrate her golden Opry anniversary. The Clinch Mountain great will mark 50 years with country music’s most famous show in 2007.

Cousin Minnie Pearl is the only female Opry member other than Shepard to have marked 50 years at the Opry.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Jennifer,

That sound you just heard was me bursting your bubble. Sorry, honey, while Gretchen Wilson did move lots of her family down to Tune Town from Southern Illinois after she hit it big with “Redneck Woman,” I don’t believe you had the pleasure of meeting them outside the Opry House in August of 2004. Wilson made her Opry debut in May of that year and did not return until October. And she did not release an album in Fall 2004, but rather that spring.

Thanks for asking and sorry to disappoint,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Becky,

Thanks for coming to Tune Town! Glad you had fun. I looked back at the Opry schedule for June 27, and I believe the artist in question was Dale Ann Bradley and her fine band. I just love her smooth, authentic voice, Becky. During Dale Ann’s most recent Opry appearance, Vince Gill invited her and the Isaacs out to sing harmony on his most wonderful “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” The sound was lovely, and you could tell by the look on Ms. Bradley’s face that she was soaking in every single moment. Earlier in the evening she’d sung a track called “Live Forever” from her forthcoming album due Oct. 10. The tune is from the pen of the great Billy Joe Shaver and includes the line “I’m gonna catch tomorrow now,” thus the album title: “Catch Tomorrow.”

Seems like things are going well for Ms. Bradley. I love it when good things happen to good people, and I get the feeling Ms. Bradley is one of the good girls.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Laura,

I’m with you on your adoration for “I Forgot More…” and you have the story about the song partially right. I’ll fill you in the best I can. Skeeter grew up Mary Frances Penick in Dry Ridge, Kentucky. As a teen she enjoyed singing with one of her best friends, Betty Jack Davis. The two friends formed a duo, calling themselves the Davis Sisters. The Kentucky girls got up their nerve and headed off to New York City to pursue a recording contract, (Oh, to have been a fly on the wall on that trip, Laura!) and in the early 50s their determination paid off in the form of a record deal with RCA and record executive Steve Sholes. In 1953, the duo hit the charts with “I Forgot More…” and it went on to become a monster smash, catapulting the duo to instant fame.

Tragedy struck on August 2, 1953, when, after the two performed on a Cincinnati radio station, their car was struck by another vehicle that had crossed the dividing line. Betty Jack was killed and Skeeter was critically injured. With time and encouragement, Skeeter returned to entertainment, first with Betty Jack’s sister Georgia, then (in 1955) as a solo artist.

Laura, I never knew Betty Jack Davis, but if she was friends with Skeeter Davis, I’m sure she was a dear, dear woman. Skeeter was known to have a collection of angels of all shapes and sizes in her Brentwood, Tennessee home, but I’m here to tell you that among the angels in her collection, there was not one as wonderful and full of light as Skeeter, herself.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Trent,

I have a soft spot in my heart for your question because one of my young neighbors is named Trent and he’s moving off to California in just a few days to further his career studying the human brain and other medical such and such I know very little about. I also love your city of Colorado Springs. I vacationed there as a teen (yes they had cars back then) and have been a fan of the town ever since. Climb Pike’s Peak for me!

The ladies in the Opry office were kind enough to pull the artist records for Oct. 22 and 23, 1999 for me, and I’ve listed the names of all who performed those nights. Even before I looked at the list of artists, I had put your clues together and was betting you were thinking of Daryle Singletary and the song “I Let Her Lie.” What do you know, Trent, there he was on the list! Maybe I need to be on “CSI Music City.” 

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Performers for October 22, 1999
Porter Wagoner
Skeeter Davis
Bill Carlisle
Joni Harms
Jeannie Seely
The 4 Guys
Holly Dunn
Ralph Stanley
Jim Lauderdale
Little Jimmy Dickens
Osborne Brothers
Jimmy C. Newman
Paul Brandt
Bill Anderson
Jim & Jesse McReynolds
Jeff Allen
Ricochet
The Whites
Stu Phillips
Ray Pillow
Daryle Singletary

Dear Carolyn,

When Ricky Van Shelton announced late last spring that he was retiring from the road and moving with his wife from their home outside Nashville back to their native Virginia, he said he had come to realize the importance of spending time with those you love doing what you love. I say AMEN to that! Carolyn, since you love Ricky’s music, I can think of no greater compliment to the man than to sit back and enjoy his recorded tunes alongside someone you love.

Enjoy!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Merriet,

If you ask me (and it looks as if you have more than once), Rebecca Lynn Howard could pack up and go home to Salyersville, Kentucky tomorrow and still have done herself proud in Tune Town if only for having written the beautiful song “I Don’t Paint Myself Into Corners” recorded by one of our greatest vocalists, Trisha Yearwood. Howard trudged her way through the closing of two labels before landing at MCA and in the Country Top 10 with the single, “Forgive,” in 2002. Since then she’s performed live on the Opry and across America often. She’s writing new material and hopes to have more music out for you down the road. Until then, maybe it’s time you buck up and go purchase a replacement copy of “Forgive,” Merriet!

Thanks for asking,
The Q&A Lady

Dear Roger,

I do have a bit of information for you, dear. The Girls Next Door came on the scene about the same time as other all-female acts Evangeline and Wild Rose after the smashing success of all-gal harmonies from The Judds (first hit in ’84) and The Forester Sisters (first hit in ’85). The group was comprised of members Doris King, Cindy Nixon, Tammy Stephens, and Diane Williams. Their two biggest hits were, oddly enough, their first two releases, both of which hit the charts in 1986: “Love Will Get You Through Times With No Money” and “Slow Boat To China.” I still remember the Girls doing “Boat” with lots of harmonies and “do-wops” and the like on “Hee Haw.” 

Alas, by 1998 The Girls Next Door found themselves to be next door to nothing better than number 54 on the charts. Their final album, “How ‘Bout Us,” which included the title track remake of a #12 pop hit for Champaign, was released in 1990. The Girls Next Door disbanded (moved into different neighborhoods, if you will) in 1991.

Their music is still available at sites such as amazon.com, though, and if you’re a fan of folks like the Foresters above, you’ll like what you order.

Finally, Roger, I just want to make sure it’s perfectly clear that The Girls Next Door are in no way related to the Fun Girls from Mt. Pilot from “The Andy Griffith Show.” Or The Judds or The Forester Sisters, for that matter. 

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Shannon,

When you are talking about Vince Gill, you are speaking the Q & A Lady’s language! I love the man, his heart, and his music. He was at the Opry with his wife Amy Grant and young daughter, Corrina. When he left the Opry House after his performance, his daughter was riding on his shoulders. One of the sweetest things I’ve seen in a long time! Saints still walk the Earth, Shannon, and one of them is named Vincent Grant Gill.

The song you heard is called "Little Brother" and it's off one of the four discs included in Vince’s project These Days due to hit stores October 17. The song is the title track from Little Brother - The Acoustic Record and was written by Mr. Wonderful Vince about Benny Garcia, Vince’s guitar tech. The two were best friends growing up in Oklahoma City, and it seems Benny nicknamed Vince “Cowboy” years ago because a younger Vince was into country music, jeans, boots, and the like. Vince will be the first to tell you that not every single line in the song is 100% biographically accurate (I think it speaks of growing up in Texas rather than Oklahoma, if memory serves me correctly), but that doesn’t make the tune any less poignant. I first heard the Opry member sing the song at the Opry at the Ryman last winter, then he sang the tune on “Grand Ole Opry Live” when you tuned in a few months ago. I most recently heard him do the tune at the Ryman’s summer bluegrass concert series July 6. I’m not ashamed to tell you, Shannon, that I have had tears in my eyes every single time I have heard Vince deliver the lines that go something like “Hey Little Brother, this is Ole Cowboy. Have you got your radio on? Cause tonight I got lucky. I’m on the Grand Ole Opry… and I’ll sing you this song.” Poetry, Shannon.

Aristotle said, “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” Helen Keller stated, “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." And now wonderful Vince has added his thoughts on friendship in a beautiful little song.

These Days is 43 new and original songs written by Vince ranging from traditional country and bluegrass to jazz and rock. I honestly can’t wait to get my copy. Maybe I’ll see you in line, Shannon.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Rita,

Well, my dear, you might want to pinch yourself again to believe that Ray Price is, indeed, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. I know it because I’ve seen the plaque in the Hall rotunda, because I was there to witness it the night he was inducted during the CMA Awards in 1996, and because I saw him in the flesh at the Hall just last week. It was a grand night back in October ten years ago when Price, long overdue for his Hall induction, said following his induction, “I was beginning to feel like the Susan Lucci of country music.” The equally deserving Buck Owens was also inducted that night, and Owens complained that Price (who had accepted his award earlier in the night) had stolen his line about Lucci.

The Hall opened a great new exhibit just last week titled “For The Good Times: The Story Of Ray Price.” My favorite item on display: Price’s broken 1971 Grammy. It seems Tammy Wynette accepted the award on Price’s behalf, but it took seven years to make its way to Price—- and even then it was in several pieces. If that thing could talk!

You’re right, Rita. The man can still slay me with that voice. Good Lord can he sing. I swear it just takes the opening violins on “For the Good Times” to make me loosen my scarf and the opening fiddles on “Crazy Arms” to make me want to order up a round. And, yes, the man could and can dress like nobody’s business. I have to say, though, that while it’s said the clothes make the man, I assert that if one wants to entertain in jeans, he or she should wear jeans. When we think back to Ray Price’s early days, we think of other sharp dressed men and quickly compare them to the ripped jeans we often see today. But let’s not cast our stones too quickly. Let us also remember some of the earliest country performers such as Uncle Dave Macon, the Possum Hunters, and the Fruit Jar Drinkers, all of whom entertained in overalls and decidedly country gear. Willie Nelson, one of Price’s dearest friends, dressed to the nines for a time in the 60’s, but I don’t think America sees one thing wrong with his shift to a bandana, braided hair, and jeans. That’s just Willie. I love Ray Price. I love his voice, and I love his attire. But if he wants to go casual on Friday night, I’m not going to hold it against him. He’s in the Hall of Fame. I say let him do as he pleases.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Paula,

Your question has as many clues as a good Stuart Woods murder mystery and as many twists and turns as my Auntie Jess’ pinky toe after she jammed it on her dresser in the middle of the night while running in the dark from my Uncle Gus (long story). I think that if your question was, indeed, a Woods book I was reading at the beach and my stomach was telling me it was time to go in to the beach house for a pimento cheese sandwich and flav-or-ice, I’d have to close the book suspecting you heard Bill Monroe’s classic “Mule Skinner Blues.” I recall a night at the Ryman a few years ago when Miss Sara did that number as part of a night that featured other great bluegrass including Vince Gill and the Del McCoury Band, among others. 

Though I don’t believe the song is available on record from Sara, it is included in Gretchen Wilson’s recent DVD release. Additionally, the tune can be found on any number of “best of” compilations from the always-wonderful Dolly Parton. Dolly took the song to number three on the charts back in 1970 when she was still a regular on “The Porter Wagoner Show.” Of course it’s also available as recorded by Monroe and dozens of other straight-ahead bluegrass acts. 

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Charlie,

You’re thinking of Lew Childre. And I have to be honest with you, Charlie. I had to go to some resources to be reminded of Childre’s story— and it’s a fascinating one. Country Music Hall of Fame member Whitey Ford once called Childre “one of the greatest one-man shows in the business." It is said that the showman could entertain in a dozen different ways: he could play the guitar, both in standard and in Hawaiian style; sing; buck dance; do comedy; recite poetry; ad lib commercials; improvise dialogue; or tell fish stories.

He didn’t record much, but was instead known for his work on the radio and his live performances.

Childre was born in Opp, Alabama. While that name might sound like a fictitious municipality a la Minnie Pearl’s Grinder’s Switch, I’m here to tell you there’s such a place. I drove through it earlier this spring on the way to the Florida beaches, Charlie. Lovely little place from what I saw driving through just a little over the posted speed limit. Childre was from a well-to-do family that expected him to grow up to become a doctor or lawyer or such. His father must have had an inkling that his son was not destined for such a career when he heard young Lew was drawing crowds on downtown Opp street corners with his buck dancing routines. I can’t imagine what a thrill that must have been for a youngster. I’ve been known to clear a room by threatening to take off my sweaty pumps and reveal the corns on my bare feet, but never to draw a crowd on a street corner!

Trying to be a “good boy” and follow his family’s wishes, Childre finished four years of education at the University of Alabama, sneaking off during the summertime to perform with various shows. Following graduation, though, he joined a touring show rather than continuing on to medical school. Several different gigs followed—a jazz band, and radio shows in Chicago; Hot Springs, Arkansas; and New Orleans among them. Along the way, he gained the reputation of being able to sell almost anything on his shows, and sponsors lined up to ask him to endorse their products.

It seems that Childre was also quite the renaissance man. In addition to being an entertainment virtuoso, the Alabama native was known to invent new fishing lures. One of those inventions reportedly netted him thousands of dollars in royalties and helped him found a fishing supply company in Foley, Alabama. Really cool stuff, Charlie!

Childre made his way to the Opry in 1945 and entertained there as well as on tour with folks like Curly Fox and Bill Monroe. The showman retired in 1959, just two short years before his death in 1961. Charlie, I’d say we should all be so lucky as to have folks admiring the full lives we led more than 40 years after we’re gone. As they say in “The Shawshank Redemption,” “get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’.”  Think I’ll get busy livin’ right now by hunting for a Lew Childre record on ebay, slipping off my pumps, and slicing into a summer watermelon. Ahh—there go the pumps now!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Susan,
 
Well of course I know who that is, and you have very good eyes, my dear! That WAS Harley Allen performing “I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby” with Dierks Bentley in a photo taken the evening the Opry featured performances from the Grammy-winning Louvin Brothers tribute album, “Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’—Songs of the Louvin Brothers.”


I’m not sure how much you know about the name Allen has made for himself as a songwriter in Tune Town, but he has become without a doubt one of the most successful tunesmiths of the past few years, penning both country and bluegrass hits. Among his recent cuts are Joe Nichols’ “If Nobody Believed In You,” Blake Shelton’s “The Baby,” and Alan Jackson’s “Everything I Love.” Others who have recorded Allen’s material include Alison Krauss & Union Station, Rhonda Vincent, John Michael Montgomery, Joe Diffie, Darryl Worley, and more. If you were tuned in to the Opry this past weekend, you heard the great John Conlee performing his new Allen-penned single, “Pass It Down.” Good stuff, Susan.

 
I also feel you should know that Allen is the only Nashville songwriter I know of that has managed to have a song cut rhyming the words “granny” and “fanny,” lyrics in the Ricky Skaggs cut “Spread A Little Love Around.”


Allen also co-wrote a tune with the hot little curly-haired number you saw him beside in the opry.com photo. The two wrote a single from Bentley’s first album together, “My Last Name.” The version you hear on the album and on the radio has been re-worked this summer into a faster-paced tune for Dierks’ live shows. I saw him perform it at Kenny Chesney’s Nashville stop the other day, and the only thing hotter that afternoon were the folding chairs on the field that had been sitting in the sun all day and the sweat beads on young buff Kenny’s forehead.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Janina,

The Opry’s records aren’t always the very best, and I’m afraid that’s the case in this instance. I can tell you, however, that lang played the Opry in the late 80s. It was an Opry matinee performance with a capacity crowd, they say. A clipping that ran after the performance says that lang sang one of her own songs, then did “Crying,” which earned a standing ovation.

As I’m sure you know, lang had her share of both praise and detractors during her days in Nashville. In most cases, it seems, Nashvillians loved her sound but weren’t sure what to make of her appearance. Opry patriarch Roy Acuff is said to have told her, “You look like a boy, dress like a girl, and sing like a bird.”

But I have to tell you, Janina, I believe if I could have had anyone in my corner in those days, I would have chosen Minnie Pearl. And Minnie was without a doubt in lang’s corner. In 1990, a very eloquent Minnie told Reader’s Digest, “We admire k.d. for her voice and because there is nothing phony about her,” she said. “I’m tied to this costume, this persona,” she continued, surveying her trademark dress and hat, price tag-and-all. “Not k.d., she’s not tied to anything. She represents the freedom we all wish we had. And she has such a pure, beautiful voice.”

If you ever hear anything negative about Cousin Minnie, Janina. Disregard it as hogwash. She was the best, Janina, the BEST!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Irene,


Miss Skeeter passed away September 19, 2004 after a long illness. Her memorial service at the Ryman Auditorium both opened and closed with Skeeter’s recording of “The End of the World,” one of country’s all-time best. Between those two recordings, friends including 650 WSM’s Eddie Stubbs, Jeanne Pruett, The Whites, Vince Gill, Connie Smith, Rhonda Vincent, and many more spoke of Skeeter and sang in her honor. Dolly Parton sent a floral arrangement reading “Skeeter, I will always love you.” Quite a send-off for quite a lady!


Now the Q&A Lady doesn’t play favorites, Irene, but I can make an exception in Skeeter’s case because there’s no question that around the Opry, she was everyone’s favorite! I was always amazed at how Skeeter smiled in the face of adversity and treated even strangers as great friends. Perhaps her greatest gift was that she saw people for who they were and made them better.


You may not know, Irene, that John Mellencamp cut his own great version of “The End Of The World” a couple of years ago on an album titled “Trouble No More.” Mellencamp said at the time he’d always loved the song, and I realized after one listen to the album and cut number 12, in particular that the Indiana native and I share both a love of “End Of The World” and a certain leaning in our politics.


I hope that someday one of the young country artists of the day will once again record “End OF The World.” No one will ever sing it like Skeeter, but I know she’d be so happy for it to be heard by a new generation of country fans.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Kristin,


Yours is a timely question, as Ms. Krauss became a part of the Opry family officially exactly 14 years ago this Monday (July 3).

Neither Alison nor the crowd in the Opry House that night knew that the man waiting in the wings to make a surprise appearance and welcome the incredible Krauss into the Opry fold was none other than Garth Brooks. Alison, 20 days shy of her 22nd birthday that night, was joined at the Opry by her parents, Fred and Louise Krauss, and grandmother Ruth Rigotti.


That night’s Opry print program offered words of welcome from a variety of Opry members including Bill Monroe. The Father of Bluegrass wrote, “Alison Krauss is a fine singer and she really knows how to play bluegrass music like it should be played. Alison will be a wonderful addition to the Grand Ole Opry.”


Emmylou Harris added, “Alison is an extraordinary musician and singer. She will be a shining jewel in the Opry’s crown.”


Happy 4th of July Kristin, and happy Opry anniversary, Alison!


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Nancy,

Both you and your cousin are right, and Anderson and Cash are by no means the only country singers to record “I’ve Been Everywhere,” surely one of the most fun country songs to hear on the radio or in a crowded bar. Opry great Hank Snow performed a memorable version of the tune for years on the Opry stage. As you know, the song brags of the dozens of places the singer has visited, among them: Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota, Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma, Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma, Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo, Tocopilla, Barranquilla, and Padilla . . . and that’s just for starters!

Since Anderson, Cash, and Snow were all road warriors at some point in their careers, it would be interesting to take a look at the list of locales mentioned in the song and see which places each had actually visited at some point. Of course there for a while it looked as if Anderson was going to be able to record an updated version of the song rattling off all the places she’s been arrested, but hopefully those rough times are now behind Miss “Rose Garden.”

You can find the song on Anderson’s GREATEST HITS album which also includes the aforementioned perennial “Garden,” plus the fun “Top of the World,” “Rocky Top,” and more as well as Cash’s award-winning UNCHAINED. Buckle up that seatbelt, Nancy, and enjoy the ride!

 Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Roy,


A quickie, Roy? My, my, it’s been a while since I even thought of such a thing!


Where to begin? With the square dancers, I guess. I’m glad you enjoyed the episode of “Grand Ole Opry Live” on which they appeared with the great Charley Pride, Marty Stuart, Mary Gauthier, and others. I agree that was a mighty fine show. I’m glad to also let you know the Opry Square Dancers are still very much a part of every Saturday performance at the Opry. Keep in mind, Roy, that each Saturday night show is two and a half hours long, but only one hour is televised. So there’s a whole lotta Opry (including the square dancers) that you don’t catch on TV, as great at “Opry Live” so often is.


Now on to the Hall of Fame. Charley Pride actually is a member, having been added to the Hall of Fame’s ranks in 2000. And I’ll tell you what, Roy, if there was any doubt he was deserving of the honor (and there wasn’t) it’s wiped away when he performs a medley of his hits like he did on the Opry Saturday night. One absolute classic after another.


I’m fascinated by your interest in the fact that the year’s Hall of Fame honorees are no longer surprised on air during the CMA Awards. I agree, those surprise presentations made for some priceless country music TV moments. In addition to your Loretta memory, I would have to add Cousin Minnie Pearl’s induction as a favorite. She said in the years following her induction that she was afraid the Hall of Fame might never find a place for her, and it was great to see her march up the steps in her sleek pantsuit that night in 1975 to accept her Hall honor.


The CMA says that by letting honorees know about their induction before the annual CMA Awards telecast, winners have time to prepare the acceptance speech every country artist dreams of delivering. I have to tell you, Roy, that while I like you miss the surprise on the faces of folks like Loretta Lynn, Minnie Pearl, Hank Thompson, Roy Rogers, and all the others, I also think that giving honorees time to plan their acceptance speeches elevates the honor to another level. To me, it says, “this is country music’s highest honor . . . a higher mark than any of the other awards announced on that night’s show. And I’d also add that for every pleasantly surprised honoree like Loretta Lynn back then, there were at least four other nominees who left the award show disappointed. To this ole gal, if your career accomplishments are such that you are even considered for Hall of Fame membership, you should not have to attend an award show year after year hoping that perhaps this will be the year a faceless blue ribbon panel of your peers has deemed you worthy of Hall of Fame membership. Folks like Tennessee Ernie Ford, Cliffie Stone, and Little Jimmy Dickens attended the show many years running before finally hearing their names called to step on stage to see a plaque bearing their name unveiled. Worse yet are the stories of folks like Bradley Kincaid who were nominated more than once but have to date been overlooked. If I were them, I’d rather know going into the telecast that I’d been overlooked than to have to put on my Sunday best, drag my tail down to the award show, then smile for the cameras when someone else’s name is called for Hall of Fame membership.


Have I won you over to my way of thinking, Roy?


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Zachary,


Good to hear from the Hawkeye State in the summertime! I hope you’re enjoying the warm days and cool nights up there. Have an ear of sweet corn with lots of butter for me when that bounty is harvested in late July.


The song about which you inquire is a wonderful number by the great Alison Krauss. If you ask me, young Alison can do no wrong no matter what style of music she performs or with whom she does it. She’s just that good. But I’ll tell you, Zachary, if I had to pick my favorite work from Alison to date, I think it would be some of the early straight-ahead bluegrass stuff she did back in the early 90’s right around the time she became an Opry member. The tune “Every Time You Say Goodbye” is from a 1992 album of the same name, and it’s a great one. That CD also includes another one of my favorite Alison Krauss songs, “Heartstrings.” If you like the sounds on EVERY TIME YOU SAY GOODBYE, you’ll also very much enjoy the music on its predecessor, I’VE GOT THAT OLD FEELING. I’m telling, you Zachary, some of the fast-paced bluegrass numbers on that album will have you shucking that Iowa corn faster than you thought possible, but slow, sad numbers like “That Makes One Of Us” (a single years ago for the Forester Sisters) will leave you more lonesome than your neighborhood swimming hole after the kids head back to school in September.


I recommend both of those early Alison CD’s whole-heartedly!


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Matt,


Of the half moon, full moon, and honeymoon, I think I like honeymoon the best. Congratulations in advance on your pending nuptials! My young friends on the opry.com staff update the web pages with new artist confirmations as soon as they come to us. When you logged on, it just happened that no one was yet confirmed to appear in August. I just checked again, and now both the great Billy Joe Shaver and IBMA Entertainers of the Year Cherryholmes are scheduled for August shows. (Cherryholmes, by the way, absolutely brought the house down during the Opry’s recent All-American Salute Signature Show. The family had the crowd on its feet for a standing ovation the minute the last note rang out on the band’s fiddle tune.)


Keep in mind that the full Opry line-up is finalized only on the Tuesday before that weekend’s shows. And even then, nothing is ever truly final. There’s something magical when someone shows up unannounced. Vince Gill dropped in on the show a couple of months ago, stepping in for Lee Ann Womack, who had to cancel on the day of the show. He threatened to sing “I Hope You Dance” that night, but instead did a couple of his tunes, including the CMA award-winner, “Look At Us.” Matt, I love that man. If I could convince him to do so, I’d have a double ceremony including Vince and me plus you and your future bride. Of course Vince won’t have anything to do with my funny business, as he’s married to the equally wonderful Amy Grant. Grant, by the way, has also surprised the Opry audience recently. She and husband Vinny joined the Opry Square Dancers for an impromptu jig, then she joined her husband on stage for a “bring on the tissues good” version of “Whenever You Come Around.” (Unfortunately for me, Matt, the only thing coming around in my life lately is the garbage truck every Friday and the occasional nausea brought on by too-large quantities of tempting treats such as powdered doughnuts, Jelly Bellies, Nips, and Crème Savers.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Mike,


First of all, allow me to congratulate you on your fine taste. I, too, am a fan of the Storyteller, Mr. Tom T. Hall. In fact, I’d say I’m even a fan of the moniker “The Storyteller.” We just don’t have great monikers in country music these days, do we Mike? I hate the fact that folks like Brad Paisley, Trisha Yearwood, Sara Evans, and Dierks Bentley don’t have fun closely identifiable nicknames such as “Tater,” “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “The First Lady of Country Music,” and “The Man in Black.” Maybe I’ll start a one-woman crusade to bring back the moniker. Yes, I think I’ll work on that.


Now back to business. I’m also a big fan of Hall’s singing and songwriting. He has so many great songs that take you from Point A to Point B in four minutes or less. I mean really, Mike, when you sing along with that Hall-penned Jeannie C. Riley favorite, don’t you feel as if you, too, have socked it to the Harper Valley PTA? And so many more: “Old Dogs, Children, & Watermelon Wine,” “I Care,” and “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died,” for starters. Speaking of Delaney, it was just a couple of years ago that I realized my perception was way-off on the character in that song. I’d always imagined Delaney as an old, old fellow, but Hall said in an interview that he actually died quite young. Interesting.


Though Hall is officially retired from singing, he’s still writing up a storm with his wife Miss Dixie and is particularly active in work on the bluegrass music the two of them love so much. I saw the couple briefly at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony honoring DeFord Bailey, Glen Campbell, and Alabama a couple of weeks ago, and they were both looking great. And between the two of us, Mike, I’d like to go on record as saying that I hope that someday soon I get to write about seeing Tom T. in the Hall of Fame (meaning as a member of the Hall) in addition to seeing him at the Hall of Fame. About this time of year it seems folks always start talking about people like Tom T. who are so deserving of the honor. And his is among the names you hear most often in Nashville circles along with other luminaries such as Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Mel Tillis, Roy Clark, Ronnie Milsap, Emmylou Harris, and Don Williams. (The Gentle Giant, Don Williams, that is.)


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Steven,


First a very quick refresher course: “The Teddy Bear Song” was a number one hit for Barbara Fairchild in 1972. “Teddy Bear,” another tune altogether, topped the charts for Red Sovine four years later. Fairchild’s song is one of heartbreak, but since its set to a lighthearted, lilting melody, you get the feeling the character in the song is going to bounce back just fine. The child in Sovine’s “Teddy Bear,” however, is not quite so lucky. He’s confined to a wheelchair and is doomed to spend his days inside the four walls of his home since his trucker daddy has just passed away and his mom now has to be gone to work all day in order to pay the mounting stack of bills. Talk about sad, Steven. “Teddy Bear” isn’t sad, it’s s-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-d. I rank it right up there with “Old Shep,” Don Williams’ “If Hollywood Don’t Need You,” and Little Jimmy Dickens’ “Raggedy Ann” in the “SSS” (Sure Sob Starter) department.


Now that we’re clear as mud in that regard, I can share that Cousin Minnie Pearl answered Sovine’s “Giddyup Go” (another chart-topper for the West Virginia native) with “Giddyup Go- Answer” in 1965, less than six months after Sovine’s “Giddyup” hit the charts. Cousin Minnie’s answer song was the biggest chart success of her career.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Judy,


The redneck woman herself has played the Opry a handful of times now, beginning with the week a couple of years ago that her debut (and signature) hit topped the charts. I recall that night she said, “I don’t usually get nervous, but my whole body is shaking.” You got the feeling she was truly humbled to be standing where some of her heroes had stood, Judy.


And is she planning to be back on the Opry stage during this year’s CMA Music Festival week? I said hell yeah!


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

“Still” was a seven-week No. 1 song for Whispering Bill Anderson, and it followed another seven-week chart topper, “Mama Sang A Song.” Ole Whisper celebrates 45 years with the Opry this summer. Come on down and help him celebrate the fact that he is STILL an Opry favorite!


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Julie,


Longtime readers will recognize a question such as yours, because I’ve written of my love for “Blanket On The Ground” before. It’s such a fun little song about taking that special someone and jacking up the heat on a fire that’s gone cold.


Billie Jo Spears had the only Top 40 hit version of the song (it actually went all the way to the top of the charts), though the Opry’s Jean Shepard has been known to do a mean version of the tune from time to time. I love it when, during the instrumental portion of the tune, Miss Jean sidles up alongside her guitar-playing husband Benny Birchfield and gives him that certain “come hither” look. So fun!


I just heard the tune on 650 WSM while I was out mulching around the front stoop over Easter Weekend. I thought to myself, “Well, I have a blanket or two in the foot locker at the end of the bed, now if I could only get my hands on young Josh Turner. Where is that boy? Josh? Oh Jooosssssh …


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Debbie,


As you know, Sissy Spacek is an actress by trade, and a darn good one at that. But when the time came for her to star as Loretta Lynn in “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Spacek did her own singing. The talented film star visited the Opry on January 27, 1979 while she was preparing for her role as one of country’s favorite women. I’ve heard Sissy say in interviews that following production of the film she really missed “being” Loretta. I can only imagine how fun that role was, Debbie. I think my favorite line to deliver would have been, “Doo, you sound like an old bear when you growl like that.” Or maybe, “I’ve been on the Grand Ole Opry, Doo! The Grand Ole Opry!”


Sissy and her daughter were in Music City a couple of Fan Fairs ago checking out the situation for her daughter, who had dreams of being a country star. I haven’t heard from her recently. I’ll check into that, Debbie.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Shirley,


If I had to sit here at my desk in Music City and take a guess, I’d say that, yes, that was the Kenny Rogers of “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” and “Lady” fame you saw on TV. The 60-something vocalist has obviously had a little cosmetic work done recently, or as his buddy Dolly Parton said, “he’s been down to the Jiffy Suck.”


Rogers has been all over the TV lately. He was profiled on “CBS Sunday Morning” and has appeared in recent weeks on both “Nashville Star” and “American Idol.” He also has a hit video out called “I Can’t Unlove You” with his own son playing the male lead. Lots of folks in town say that he’s clearly among those due their place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Clayton,


We’ll be looking forward to seeing you in Nashville after a long, wonderful summer. That’s sure to be a great show, as some of the best in bluegrass pay tribute to the Father of it all. Almost everyone who has ever picked up a banjo, fiddle, or mandolin will be in town that week for the IBMA Awards and all the bluegrass excitement of the week.


The Tuesday Night Opry is a little different than the Opry’s Friday and Saturday night performances. Tuesday’s shows often feature eight acts, while Friday and Saturday shows often showcase as many as 15 artists. Of course this allows artists on the Tuesday shows to spend a little more time on stage than is typical on Friday or Saturday nights.


I say you can’t lose no matter what night you attend the Opry, Clayton, but I have to tell you I really like the format of the Tuesday shows. It seems as if you get to connect with the artists a little more. Just a couple of weeks ago, young Craig Morgan came out and performed his big smash “That’s What I Love About Sunday” from last year, his current hit “I’ve Got You,” and a brand new song he’d written with his drummer about a little old lady who is “Keeping It Country.” Don’t believe him if he denies it, Clayton, I’m convinced they wrote that one about yours truly.


Have a safe trip to Music City, Clayton. We’ll get the guitars tuned up for ya!


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Delores,


It was a real one-two punch a few days ago when we learned of the deaths of Hall of Famers Cindy Walker and Buck Owens so closely together. Walker’s Hall of Fame acceptance speech in which she thanked in a poem her mother for her support is still my all-time favorite such oratory. You can see Walker’s actual poem typed on Opryland Hotel stationery when you visit the Hall of Fame and Museum.


Just a few steps away from the poem at the Hall is the Kornfield Kounty cornfield seen each week on one of country music’s all-time great success stories, “Hee Haw.” Buck Owens and Roy Clark co-hosted the show beginning in 1969. While Owens left the series in 1986, the music and laughs went on through 1994. There was so much to love about the show, wasn’t there Delores? I hear so many of our young artists today talking about how they grew up on “Hee Haw” with their parents or grandparents every Saturday night. And those of us fortunate to have worked alongside the likes of Owens and Clark not to mention Minnie Pearl, Grandpa Jones, Lulu Roman and the others will never forget them nor the characters they portrayed.


It has been said that Buck Owens felt his hosting duties on “Hee Haw” might have marginalized his success as a recording artist during the show’s heyday. But I have to tell you, Delores,... nothing . . . not one solitary thing . . . can marginalize the importance of the music of Buck Owens on country music as a genre. Those guitar licks and songs like “Act Naturally,” “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail,” “Buckaroo,” “Love’s Gonna Live Here,” and so many more will stand forever among country’s most important recordings.


And Delores, can’t you just close your eyes and see Buck Owens and best friend/musical collaborator Don Rich together again, picking guitar and singing to their heart’s content? And I’d lay odds that the great Ms. Cindy Walker herself is sitting in the corner listening to Owens and Rich pick, feverishly cranking out a new song for ‘em in celebration of their reunion. At least that’s Hillbilly Heaven for the fourth week of March 2006 as this ole gal likes to see it!


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Louise,


I think everyone who ever saw Marty perform live or on television or has even heard his recordings still misses the man terribly. He was, indeed, a proud Opry member from 1953 (he was invited to join less than six months after his first performance) until his untimely death in 1982. Louise, I think you were probably looking at our online list of current Opry members. Opry members from the past can be found online by going to Meet the Opry, then hitting the Opry Timeline. A selection of past members are listed there by decade, and you’ll find Mr. Marty on the 1950s page.


What was not to love about Marty Robbins, Louise? He was born one of a family of nine children in rural Arizona and is said to have walked ten miles to pick cotton in order to earn money to see cowboy movies at the theater. No one else inspired him growing up like Gene Autry, Marty said. Of course that early Western influence followed Marty throughout his career and can be heard on classics like “El Paso.” I swear that song still rips my heart to shreds, Louise. “From out of nowhere, Felina has found me, kissing my cheek as she kneels by my side. Cradled by two lovin' arms that I'll die for, one little kiss and Felina goodbye.” Now that’s love, girlfriend.


No one could put on a show quite like Marty. He made the ladies swoon with his swagger, and it didn’t hurt his sex appeal one iota that when he wasn’t on stage he was out racing fast cars. In 1972, he did so well in his first efforts on major NASCAR tracks that he was named Rookie of the Southern 500.


One other note for you, Louise. Marty was discovered by the Opry’s Jimmy Dickens, but beat Jimmy into the Country Music Hall of Fame by one year. Since Marty passed away just over a month after having been inducted into the Hall, he would have never known he was a Hall of Famer had the two friends’ induction years been reversed. Jimmy is such a good guy that I’m sure he didn’t mind waiting a year for his Hall membership, given that it meant his buddy died knowing he was country royalty.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Tina,


Good song! One of those tunes I listened to time and again back in ’68 before the lyrics finally hit me right between the eyes like a 2' x 4'. The tune was a hit for Henson Cargill, an Oklahoma native who enjoyed monster success with “Rope,” hit the charts another dozen-or-so times, then opened a large cattle ranch in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (A ranch not to be confused with the dude ranch near Dodge City, Kansas my nephews and I visited in the 70’s, but that’s a story for another day.) 650 WSM still plays “Skip A Rope” with great regularity. Just one more reason it’s the best station going, Tina!


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Robert,


“Rocky Top” was written in 1967 by Country Music Hall of Famers Felice (1925-2003) and Boudleaux (1920-1987) Bryant, a couple who know a little about song writing (“Country Boy,” “Love Hurts,” “Wake Up, Little Susie,” to name a few.) Their compositions were performed by a wide range of performers from the Beatles to the Everly Brothers to Bob Dylan to the Bangles. The Osborne Brothers released the tune during the Christmas season of that year, and it hit the charts early in 1968.


It had been 17 years since Tennessee had added a state song when “Rocky Top” in 1982 joined, as the Nashville Banner noted, "the formerly sedate coterie of official state songs."


If you've been to a University of Tennessee football or basketball game, you've heard "Rocky Top" at its most powerful. As a rousing, spirited, get out and win number, the bands at UT played "Rocky Top" for years before the state decided to adopt it as an official song; the fifth official state song. What’s interesting there, Robert, is that the Osborne Brothers are University of Kentucky fans!


Later in the life of the song, Lynn Anderson and Buck Owens were among the artists who also added “Rocky Top” to their song catalogs.


And there’s still nothing like clapping your hands and stomping your feet as Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press belt out “Rocky Top” live on the Opry stage.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Dot,


Billy “Crash” Craddock, who made ladies’ hearts everywhere beat just a little faster with his 1974 No. 1 hit “Rub It In, Rub It In,” doesn’t tour a whole lot these days, but often makes it back to Nashville to visit with fans during Fan Fair. He still has a fan club, as well, and that’s probably the best way to keep up to date on the star. Annual dues are $12.00. For more information, write to: Judy Plummer 4101 Pickfair Rd Springfield, Il 62703.


If you’re hankering for the sound of some BCC, you might check out his 1996 release, CRASH’S SMASHES: THE HITS OF BILLY “CRASH” CRADDOCK. His signature “Rub” tune has also been cut by frequent Opry guest Jeff Bates for Bates’ second album, LEAVE THE LIGHT ON. It’s due in stores April 11, Dot, and you just know young Jeff puts that same growl into the tune Billy did all those years ago.


And Dot, at the risk of offending reader Walter Melon, (he wrote in the other day asking why I can’t just give an answer to a question and be done with it rather than adding what he considers ‘cutesy’ remarks), I have to tell you that a Billy “Crash” Craddock concert in the late 70’s was one of my all-time best girls nights out. Honestly, I was never the BCC fan a couple of my late girlfriends were, but the three of us packed up the Oldsmobile one hot summer day and drove off to the also now-deceased Kentucky theme park Kentuck Territory to see the singer do his thing. “Rub It In, Rub It In” was still known word for word by almost everyone in the crowd at that time. Sister, I thought I was going to have to hose those two down, drop them off at a roadside campground for a cold shower, or dunk them in Lake Barley a time or two before making the trip back to our homes in Music City. Whatever Dr. Craddock was prescribing that night, those two were taking it in by the handsful! What a fun night for three ole gals from Nashville.

Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Dellene,


When you hit 90, this gal says you deserve to have your questions answered. Please share the following with your husband and tell him we all say “thanks for listening.”


That’s all for now friends,

Because the tall pines pine,

And the pawpaws pause,

And the bumblebees bumble all around.

The grasshoppers hop,

And the eavesdroppers drop,

While gently, the ole cow slips away…

George D. Hay saying so long for now.


Dellene, should I know what pawpaws are?


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dearest Donnie,

The Opry moved back to the Ryman for one weekend in 1999, the first time the Ryman hosted an Opry performance since 1974. That weekend was a tremendous success, and the Opry has visited the Ryman for at least a month every winter since. The move to the Ryman allows folks who might not have been around for the Opry's first Ryman run to play a part in country music history. Of course both the Ryman and the Opry House have their own distinct advantages. For instance, I say no one can top the world-famous Opry Dog served up at the Opry House. Extra mustard for me, please.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Lynnie,


Happy days to you, too. The new addition to your betrothed list is Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who were married late last year in Oklahoma. Congratulations to all the couples for finding Mr. And Mrs. Right. And congratulations, as well, to Jennifer Turner for beating me to my Mr. Right Now, Young Josh Turner. You're a lucky one, Mrs. Turner.


I hope Cupid's arrow strikes your way on Valentine's Day, Lynnie.


Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Joe,


Ole Bocephus doesn't come around as much as Opry fans would like him to, but let me tell you, son, when the man walks on the Opry stage, he makes up for lost time! There's an electricity in the air unlike that caused by almost any other artist. In fact, when he's been at the Opry during its Ryman months, I've stopped and wondered how much the crowd reacting to his songs sounds like the crowds in that same beautiful building giving his daddy encore after encore during his Opry debut.


Something in the blood, huh Joe?


Hank Jr. played a big part in two of the Opry's more memorable nights of the past few years. In January 2003 he took to the Opry stage alongside Vince Gill, Hank Williams III, and more commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hank Williams Sr. That same year, Hank, Marty Stuart, and Travis Tritt joined together on the Opry at the Ryman stage to pay tribute to their friend Waylon Jennings, who had passed away earlier in the week. Porter Wagoner called that one "the most exciting night I can ever remember at the Opry." Pretty impressive.


Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Roger:


You're remembering the incredibly talented, incredibly funny Opry member Mike Snider, who takes his entertainment to the Opry stage many times each year.


Like most of his fellow Opry members, what you see of Mike onstage is exactly what you get off stage. I first met Mike backstage at the Opry years and years ago. "How are you doing?" I asked him with a smile. "Awwwww, about half," he responded.


One of my favorite Mike sayings is when he talks about the time he answered the door at home and his mother-in-law was standing outside in a downpour. "Well don't just stand out there in the rain," Mike said, "Go home!"


Funny guy, Roger.


Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Alvin,


"I'm My Own Grandpa" was the biggest hit recorded by Opry funnymen Lonzo & Oscar. Fitting, too, that we've just rung in the new year, because the tune was also a Top 10 pop hit for Mr. New Year's Eve himself, Guy Lombardo, that same year.


Alvin, are you more amazed at how things change or how they stay the same? Just when you think you don't hear anything as ridiculous as "I'm My Own Grandpa" these days, you're in your car the next day and are "blessed" with something like "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On."


Thanks for Asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Laura,


The "official" Travis Tritt trilogy you're thinking of features the lives of a wheelchair-bound US Veteran Mac and his beloved wife, Annie. The songs/videos included in the trilogy include "Anymore," in which Mac makes the decision to return home to Annie from a VA hospital, "Tell Me I Was Dreaming," in which Annie takes a most unfortunate (OK, deadly) and quite gross tumble on her boat just before giving birth to a daughter, and "If I Lost You," in which Mac and his now-growing daughter visit Miss Annie's grave on the daughter's birthday which of course doubles as the anniversary of Annie's death. Got all that, Laura?


The trilogy grew to be so sad that perhaps Travis could offer an uplifting re-visit to the life of Mac. Heck, maybe the whole Annie tumble could be revealed to have truly been a dream. If "Dallas" could do it in the 80's with Bobby Ewing, surely Opry member Travis could do it in 2006.


Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

The Q&A Lady is taking a short hiatus for heath reasons. But not to worry, she is not down and out. She will be back to her fiesty Q&A answering self at the beginning of the year. Below is the answer to one of her most frequently asked questions to tide you over in the meantime.

Dear Deborah,


For years, the Opry has invited fans to “rush the stage anytime” for photos. One of the most fun things about events such as the Opry’s annual Birthday Bash is watching Opry members sign photos fans have taken at the Opry during previous visits.


Look me up on your big night and I’ll take a shot of the two of you. Congratulations on your first anniversary. No "fraud" in your relationship, huh Deborah.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dearest Herb,

The Opry has missed only one broadcast in its 80-year history following the death of President Franklin Roosevelt. If the good Lord’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise, you can count on an Opry show on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve this year. Expect lots of your holiday favorites.

Pardon my short answer this week, but I need to write my list of who I hope to meet under the Opry mistletoe followed by my target list of who to kiss on New Year’s Eve.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Laurie,


I know John Conlee appreciates your thoughts as he and his family live out the story told in his song “They Also Serve.” You can find out more about the song and hear clips of other new John Conlee material and some classics at johnconlee.com.


I have to agree with you both on John as a great Opry member and “Rose Colored Glasses” as a future country classic. But between the two of us, Laurie, I must tell you I’m a sucker for John’s “Friday Night Blues.” I absolutely love the line, “While he’s kickin’ his shoes off, she’s putting hers on, and she’s got the Friday Night Blues.” Is that not hillbilly poetry at its finest, Laurie? I love it, love it, love it.


Some dark night when I’m supposed to be headed home from the Opry at the Ryman, I swear I’m going to take a detour for a couple of glasses of wine on Lower Broadway then head off to do that number at a questionable karaoke place. Look for me, Laurie. I’ll be the one in the pearls, fist to the heavens, delivering lines such as “oh those Friday Night Blues they get in your shoes and they work to get you down” and “Oh but there ain’t a lady that I ever knew who didn’t need her a night on the town.”


But enough about me. I say we all go out and do whatever it is we get a hankering to do— even if it is getting a bit overdramatic on a karaoke stage—to thank our fighting men and women (and their families, too) who help secure the freedoms we cherish. And when we finish that, let’s send ‘em a note to tell ‘em we love ‘em and want them back home safely soon.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Well, Terri, if I didn’t get you answered in time, you know by now that almost anything goes at the Opry. Just as you’ll see everything on stage from Loretta Lynn’s beautiful long gowns to Alan Jackson’s torn Wranglers, you’ll see everything in the audience from business suits to cowgirl hats with blinking lights. Sometimes I’m amazed when I look out at all the styles I see . . . and often times that’s just in one pew!


Speaking of clothes, Terri, I have to tell you that I always get a kick out of how some of my fellow old-timers write in to trash talk some of the young whippersnappers who play the Opry these days. They say, “back in the old days, the artists had respect for the Opry and dressed up for the show.” I just have to tell you that one of the best things about being at the Opry is that I have the chance to interact with folks like Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and so many more whose words and actions speak volumes about their respect for the Opry, whether they’re wearing something freshly starched or something as comfortable as one of their favorite songs—rips, tears, holes, and all! And while the Opry just wouldn’t be the Opry without an incredibly snazzy dresser or two the likes of Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, or Dolly Parton, let us not forget that if we’re gonna talk about “the old days” and dresser-uppers such as Gentleman Jim Reeves and Webb Pierce, we would be remiss if we didn’t also remember even older days with denim-clad groups such as the Possum Hunters, the Gully Jumpers, and the Fruit Jar Drinkers.


Were they great artists? You bet!


Were they absolutely irreplaceable Opry members who helped shape the Opry we know and love today? Lord, yes!


Were they impeccably dressed? Not so much.


I could go on and on, Terri. Stringbean just wouldn’t have been Stringbean without his signature ensemble. I don’t think he would have made the front of GQ, but I never questioned his respect for the Opry one iota. Grandpa Jones wore the same boots on the Opry stage week after week, year after year until they looked as old as his own time-weathered face. I never, ever thought to myself, “gee, those boots are a disgrace. Grandpa needs a good talking-to about respecting the Opry tradition.” Instead, I think we all thought, “now there goes an Opry icon and a national treasure.”


So, Terri, this ole gal says wear what works for you, then sit back and enjoy the Opry fashion parade both on stage and in the audience. Trust me, some nights, that alone is worth the price of admission!


And just remember, at the Opry we do have one dress code: you have to wear something.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Leopoldo,


As the fine ladies from “Hee Haw” used to say, “I’m not one to go around repeating gossip, so you’d better be sure and listen close the first time.” Ronnie Dunn, one of the best male voices of his generation, was born in Coleman, Texas. This week, of course, the Coleman (population 5,000) native is in the media capital of the world, New York City, hosting the CMA Awards with his duet partner Kix Brooks. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do up there, Ronnie!

Thanks for asking,
The Q&A Lady

Dear Jenny,


The video for “Blues Man” by Jones and Parton is one of many, many projects that have been filmed at the Grand Ole Opry House in the past few months alone. Between the Opry, video shoots, TV tapings, concerts, corporate events, and other activities, the boys and girls in the Opry Events, Operations, and Technical departments are always kept a-hopping. No wonder they’re all in such fine shape!


And how fun to see two living legends on video together. I love you, George and Dolly!


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Louise,


Can I tell you that I always thought Billie Jo Spears and I could have been good friends?


The phone calls would have gone something like this: “So, Billie Jo, how did that blanket on the ground thing work out for ya and the hubby?” … “Oh, that’s too much information, Billie Jo! How did it work out when you professed ‘your good girl’s gonna go bad.”?


It would have been so much fun, Louise.


But I digress. Spears’ last Top 20 song in the U.S. was “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” back in 1981. It seems Spears is one of several artists who hit even bigger in the UK than in the land of the red, white, and blue, so she spent quite a bit of the 80s and 90s across the pond touring and recording for independent labels.


There are folks like me who continue to love her music, though, and we get lucky every once in a while and hear her on 650 WSM. Additionally, Jean Shepard has been known to dust off “Blanket On The Ground” for an Opry performance every few months. I just love when that happens.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Carrie,


That honor goes to Eddy Arnold, who had been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame the previous year. Can you imagine, Carrie? Next year the great Arnold will have been a Hall of Famer for 40 years. Amazing stuff! I’ve probably held on to some stuff in the refrigerator for 40 years, but I certainly haven’t held on to a respectful spot as a Country Music Hall of Famer that long.


It was great to see Mr. Arnold at the recent celebration of Opry flagship station WSM’s 80th Anniversary at the station’s famed tower south of Nashville then again even more recently at BMI’s annual songwriter awards.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Brian,



The answer to your question (and a lot of other interesting tidbits, I must say) can be found in the current opry.com cover story, “80 Unforgettable Moments at the Grand Ole Opry.” No one is saying we could ever identify the definitive 80 MOST unforgettable moments, but we did try to choose those moments that made a huge impact either at the time or years later. What makes Elvis’ entry so interesting is that the King’s one and only Opry appearance was a bit on the lackluster side. Check out the moment below from the “80 Unforgettable Moments” list:


”October 2, 1954 – Elvis Presley sings Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky” during his one and only Opry appearance. Presley is nervous about the reaction of Monroe to his souped-up 4/4 time version of the waltz, but is pleasantly surprised when the bluegrass legend compliments his interpretation.”



You know what could have turned the tide in Elvis’ favor that night, don’t you, Brian? A certain Q & A Lady (Q & A Girl, at that time, thank you very much) armed with a little liquid courage and a brassiere to be launched on stage! I could have had the ladies in that Opry crowd and screaming for more! I’m sure the gals in the audience were just sitting in those Ryman pews breathless waiting for someone to make the first move. A gals gotta do whatta gal’s gotta do.



Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dorene,


I won’t charge you a big psychiatrist bill or anything, but if you were lying on the couch in my office, I think I’d have to tell you that you and your mother are suffering from a failure to communicate. If I had to guess, I would say that you used to sing along to “the Teddy Bear Song” by Barbara Fairchild, which offered such lines as “I wish I was a teddy bear, not livin’ or lovin’ or goin’ nowhere.” Your mother, meanwhile is likely thinking of Red Sovine’s “Teddy Bear” about a crippled boy whose truck driving father has just passed away but befriends an army of truckers via his CB radio. I’ll tell you what, Dorene, I can hardly even WRITE ABOUT that song without getting a tear in my eye. What a good’n!


Both Fairchild and Sovine took their respective Teddy Bear to the top of the charts in the 1970s.


Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Joanne,


The Opry has for years and years welcomed fine groups into its ranks. The most recent group inducted was Diamond Rio in 1998. The boys in that band were just nominated as Vocal Group of the Year at by the Country Music Association for the 15th time! Can you believe it? To think, I was in my 30s when they started getting nominated. (Just kidding, Joanne. 50s is more like it. OK, OK, 60s.) Other proud Opry groups include The Gatlins, Riders In The Sky, and The Whites.


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Joey,


Good question! I guess the answer would depend upon what one considers a “guest.” If Bashful Brother Oswald’s work with Roy Acuff as a Smoky Mountain Boy on the Opry beginning January 8, 1939 counts, you’re looking at more than half a century between Opry debut and Opry membership. The Dobro-playin’, joke-tellin’ Os became an official Opry member on January 21, 1995, a little more than two years after Mr. Acuff’s death.

That night, Os (who was born Beecher Ray Kirby) said, “I’m the happiest man alive. This is a wonderful honor for me. You know, I’ve been auditioning for this part for 56 years!”


When asked how Mr. Acuff would feel about his Opry membership, Os said, “I guess he would appreciate it a whole lot. I’m sure he would.” He was quite an entertainer, Joey. I consider it an honor to have witnessed several of his Opry “auditions” and an even bigger honor to have been there when he took the stage several times as a full-fledged Grand Ole Opry member. Like Mee-Maw always said, “Good things come to those who wait!”


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Roger,

Well, was one of your thoughts that The Duke of Paducah might be country comic Whitey Ford? If so, you’re right on the money!


Ford, like many other comedians of the day, started out as a musician. The funny man founded a Dixieland jazz band in the 1920s, took part in an early Gene Autry radio show out of Chicago, and was dubbed “the Duke of Paducah” while performing on station KWK in your home state (St. Louis, to be exact). His is really quite a tale, Roger, with joke telling, banjo playing, and more in the U.S. and abroad. It is said that the comic eventually amassed more than half a million jokes in his gag library, catalogued under 455 subjects. Many of his jokes are also said to have made their way to the airwaves on “Hee Haw.” We lost the Duke in 1986, just four months before his election to the Country Music Hall of Fame.


Of course The Duke of Paducah’s signature line was one of the most famous in all of country music. His delivery of “I’m goin’ back to the wagon, boys, these shoes are killin’ me!” was always followed by thunderous applause, as opposed to the looks I get from my officemates when I say, “I’m headed back to Walgreens, girls, these Dr. Scholl’s insoles need to be replaced in the worst way.”


Thanks for asking,

The Q & A Lady

Dear Sherry,

First of all, thanks on behalf on all Nashvillians for visiting our city. I hope you had a great time, and I’d bet money that you did.

Sarah Ophelia Colley “became” Minnie Pearl in the late 1930s, then became an official Opry cast member in 1940, . Sherry, believe me when I say that everyone in this town genuinely loved Minnie Pearl. And what was not to love? As once said, “Minnie Pearl is uncomplicated. She’s apple pie and clothes dried in the sun and the smell of fresh bread baking. I don’t think people think of her so much as a show business act as a friend.”

The equally beloved Colley said that while she would one day meet her maker, Minnie Pearl and Minnie’s spirit would never die. Thus, Colley’s passing in 1996 didn’t mean a thing as far as Miss Minnie’s Hall plaque was concerned.

There’s not a night that Sarah Colley isn’t missed at the Grand Ole Opry. By the same token, there’s not a night in which the character she created doesn’t live on.

Sherry, come to the Hall of Fame again in 50 years, and I guarantee you Minnie Pearl will be as alive and as beloved as she was when she was elected to the Hall in 1975. We should all be so lucky!

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Why I certainly can Cheryl. That lovely young couple that your husband enjoyed was The Wrights -- a husband-and-wife team of Adam and Shannon Wright . The dynamic duo moved to Nashville in 2002 to work on their songwriting while still holding down day jobs. They played shows around town and attracted a following and were eventually signed to ACR Records (owned by Adam's uncle ... Mr. Alan Jackson).


The duo's debut album is in stores now (and Adam and Shannon wrote every song on the disc). I agree that the two have a wonderful old country sound that this old gal can appreciate.


Thanks for asking,
The Q and A Lady

Dear Jerry,

If you watch any of those new fangled TV shows where different “important” people sit down and say what they know (between the two of us, sometimes it’s not that much) about country music or particular artists, you’ll hear a lot of ladies referred to as the Queen of Country Music.

Loretta Lynn certainly is country royalty, having written and performed songs that will live on forever. Tammy Wynette made her mark and then some. Jean Shepard was a trailblazer if I’ve ever seen one. Dolly Parton-- well, Jerry, I’d say there’s just not a better entertainer anywhere. And Patsy Cline’s voice still gives me chills. I’ll tell you what, there’s nothing I’d rather hear on 650 WSM driving home on a cool rainy night than “Crazy.” Sometimes I close my eyes for a moment, (not the most ingenious thing to do on Briley Parkway) listen to that haunting piano against Cline’s vocals, and fancy myself in an old ’62 Ford Falcon listening to the voice of Miss Patsy coming from the dash and the swish of the wiper blades coming from the windshield.

But if you ask 650 WSM’s Eddie Stubbs, any of the living ladies above, or me, they’ll tell you the first and always Queen of Country Music is Country Music Hall of Famer Kitty Wells. Miss Kitty hit the top of the charts in 1952 with “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” and never looked back. The Queen’s reign included other top hits, multiple fan-voted designations as “Favorite Female Vocalist,” appearances on “The Tonight Show,” and an appearance in the motion picture “Second Fiddle To A Steel Guitar.” Today she lives with her husband Johnny Wright not far from the Grand Ole Opry House in Madison, Tennessee.

So the next time you hear someone talking about someone else being the Queen of Country Music, you can just send them over to spend some time with me. I’ll learn ‘em, Jerry.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Mike,

At age 87, Hank Locklin is the Opry’s oldest current member. The “Please Help Me I’m Falling” singer even has a year or two on yours truly!

His delivery of his signature songs is still wonderful, but it’s when he sings “Oh Danny Boy” that this ole gal gets weak in the knees.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Jim,

Now, you shouldn’t be so quick to judge - I have met plenty of folks from the Big Apple who are country music fans, and who would trade the Metropolitan Opera for the Grand Ole Opry any day. You did hear right, a group of Grand Ole Opry performers has played Carnegie Hall twice; once in 1947 and then again for the November 29, 1961 show you asked about. The performance was a benefit for the Musician’s Aid Society, and the cast was: Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, Bill Monroe & His Bluegrass Boys, Faron Young, Grandpa Jones, Ben Smathers and the Stony Mountain Cloggers, fiddler Tommy Jackson, the Jordanaires, Jim Reeves and Minnie Pearl. The irrepressible announcer, T. Tommy Cutrer served as Master of Ceremonies, and from all accounts, the Carnegie Hall was filled to the brim with hand-clapping, foot-stomping, converts to country. Word has it that Jack Benny was in the audience that night. Bet he picked up a few fiddling pointers that night!

Thanks for asking,
The Q&A Lady

Dear Mags, 

Your question about such controversial lyrics leads me to believe that I must be dealing with another liberated lady such as myself! The Coal Miner’s Daughter is known for writing autobiographical songs, but she also drew upon other talented songwriters for material. The story of a wife and mother at the end of her rope, “One’s on the Way,” came from the pen of the late, great Shel Silverstein, also known for his classic children’s books such as, “Where the Sidewalk Ends” and “The Giving Tree.” “The Pill,” a song banned from country radio when it was released, was written by Loretta Lynn along with Don McHan and T.D. Bayless.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Jake, 

You have to admit Opry membership is a pretty elite fraternity, as currently only 66 acts around the world can count themselves as Opry members. Little Jimmy Dickens is the Opry’s most tenured member, having joined the Opry cast in 1948. Terri Clark is the Opry’s newest recruit. The Canada native joined the Opry just last June. Will the Opry add some new blood during its upcoming 80th anniversary year? Stay tuned, Jake. Stay tuned.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Dear Joyce,

Don’t you just hate it when someone’s name slips your mind? Happens to the best of us, honey, and it seems to be happening to me more and more often! I’m sure you’ll say to yourself, “well, of course, that’s it” when I tell you the piano player in question is late Opry member Del Wood. For years Ms. Wood served as the Opry’s “Queen of the Ivories,” treating audiences to rollicking instrumentals including her signature song “Down Yonder.” Nothing got an Opry crowd going like when Del would take her place on stage and hit the keys! And that smiling face you see at the piano in the “Cheatin’” video smiled on many a friend here in Music City. Ms. Wood was known for having a charitable spirit and for having a heart as big as her hit “Down Yonder.”

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady

Swear away, BC! That probably was Opry star Anderson, who made occasional appearances on the show that also featured Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly, all that risqué innuendo in the 70’s. And why on Earth did the contestants ALWAYS have to choose Richard Dawson as their partner in the Super Match bonus round? What did he have that Bill, Brett, Elaine Joyce, Betty White and others didn’t, other than those sharp, sharp sideburns? But I digress. Bill also hosted another game show, “The Better Sex,” around the same time period. That show was fairly short-lived, perhaps because all of us already know which is the better sex, right, B.C.? Still, few Country Music Hall of Famers can claim all Bill has on his resume from the aforementioned game shows to a gig on the daytime drama “One Life To Live.”

Thanks for asking,
The Q&A Lady

Dear Jan,

I’ll take a stroll down memory lane with an Opry fan such as yourself anytime! Though Marty Robbins didn’t limit his Opry performances exclusively to the last segment of Saturday night’s late show, you’re right —- you could often find him on that portion of the show. The colorful entertainer would frequently race around the track before making his proverbial race to his Opry performance. You can check out one of his race cars in the Opry Museum located near the Opry House. And of course Robbins’ late-night antics of making his portion of the Opry go over its time limit by treating audiences to extra song after song is one of our favorite stories to share at the Opry to this day. Through the years, it’d be difficult to find many performers who captured the hearts of his fans like Marty Robbins did. Great singer. Great songwriter. Incredible showman. Funny guy. Sexy, even if I do say so.

It’s been nice strolling with you, Jan.

Thanks for asking,
The Q & A Lady