Saturday night’s show opened with a short video sharing a little bit of country music history, then the observation that many famous country stars today, got their start by listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio.
And then, the celebration of the 5000th consecutive live broadcast - began.
The music started with Opry members Connie Smith, the Gatlin Brothers, Bill Anderson, Darius Rucker, and Terri Clark all on stage together, They sang a collection of country favorites: “Wabash Cannonball,” “Jambalaya,” “San Antonio Rose,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”
“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” was a tribute to Opry member Charlie Daniels who passed away in July of 2020. Chris Janson sang the song, then stepped out to do some of his fast-paced, high-energy harmonica playing to “bring it home.”
For two hours, Opry Members sang some of their greatest hits, or in some cases, the greatest hits of others. Darius Rucker who said he was “channeling Little Jimmy Dickens” with a hat and stylish, country-style trimmed suit, honored Patsy Cline when he sang “Walking After Midnight.”
Vince Gill brought a guitar once owned by musician Sam McGee, who first played the Grand Ole Opry in 1926. Gill also paid tribute to Sonny Osborne, who was part of the bluegrass duo, the Osborne Brothers, most notably known for “Rocky Top.” Osborne passed away last week, just days before his 84th birthday. Gill sang “Making Plans,” also an Osborne Brothers song, in Sonny’s honor, while also noting it was written by another Opry member, songwriter Johnny Russell.
Several legendary Opry artists performed their earliest hits. These included Bill Anderson’s “Still,” Connie Smith’s “Once A Day,” John Conlee’s “Rose Colored Glasses,” and Jeannie Seely’s “Don’t Touch Me.”
Anderson and Seely also performed “When Two Worlds Collide.”
Later, Smith, Conlee, and Seely were joined by Dustin Lynch and Chris Young for “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” a song that’s become a country music anthem, symbolic for linking the past and present.
The evening was full of music, memories, and special moments. In a nod to the late Charley Pride, Chris Young performed “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.”
The night wrapped up with Garth Brooks and Trish Yearwood taking the stage. For nearly 20 minutes they took turns singing verses from some of their famous songs, often asking the crowd to sing along. Brooks’ songs included “Baton Rouge,” “Two Pina Coladas,” and “The River.” Yearwood did “She’s in Love with the Boy,” “How Do I Live,” and “Walkaway Joe.”
During their set, the two, who celebrate 16 years of marriage in December, playfully teased each other about which one had the bigger hits.
At one point, Brooks pointed out that HIS song “In Another’s Eyes” won a GRAMMY.
Yearwood, who sang with him on that 1997 megahit, quickly responded, “You’re welcome.” They both laughed.
As if to prove the success of that song was truly a combined effort, they offered a beautiful rendition featuring stellar vocals by both. The audience loved it.
It was definitely a night to remember. And while this was a celebration of the Opry making history with its 5000th consecutive Saturday show, it’s interesting to note there’s another major milestone not too far in the distance. Less than four years from now, the Grand Ole Opry will mark its 100th anniversary. Still going strong.
