OLE OPRY Musicians and Stars feel slighted

Herbie Meeks · From: Arkansas, USA

Older Country Singers Feel Slighted at Opry
By JOHN GEROME, AP
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 8) - The Grand Ole Opry showcases old-time country music every week, but some older country stars complain they are being shuffled off the stage at the historic radio show.

Charlie Louvin, Stonewall Jackson and others say they joined the Opry cast decades ago with an understanding: Faithfully make appearances at the Grand Ole Opry at the peak of your career for less than you could earn elsewhere, and the Opry would offer security and a place to perform when the hits stopped coming.

Now they say the Opry has reneged on that unwritten deal and is pushing older stars out. Jackson, 74, has filed an age discrimination lawsuit against the owners of the Opry, the storied home of country music.

"The only ones they want to see in the audience and on stage are young people," said Joe Edwards, a musician in the Opry's house band for about 45 years before he says he was asked to leave along with a number of other veteran musicians in 2000.

Gaylord Entertainment Co., which bought the Opry in 1983, denied all of Jackson's claims in court papers. It said Opry members are not Gaylord employees, and the company has no obligation to offer them a certain number of performances.

And, in fact, the Opry regularly features older singers like Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner and Bill Anderson. But the cast of about 65 members also includes contemporary hitmakers such as Trace Adkins , Martina McBride and Brad Paisley .

"The Opry has been evolving for 81 years and will continue to evolve in the future," said Steve Buchanan, vice president for media and entertainment at Gaylord. "That evolution is what has helped the Opry remain a vibrant and relevant entertainment icon."

In the 1950s, when Louvin and his brother Ira were topping the country charts as the Louvin Brothers, the duo would hightail it back to Nashville many Saturdays to fulfill their obligations to the Opry.

Opry members were required to appear on the radio show at least 26 Saturdays a year. The acts were paid a small amount for their performances - $15 a show as Louvin remembers. That was nowhere near what they could earn on the road.

If a country act was making $2,000 a night, it cost the act $52,000 a year to remain a member of the Opry, Louvin said. The artists did it because they thought the Opry was good for their career and for their future, he said.

"You definitely thought you were building loyalty," said the 79-year-old Country Music Hall of Famer. "Everybody was told that if you keep your nose clean, you always had a home at the Opry."

Louvin said his appearances on the Opry have dwindled to about 15 a year, causing him to lose health insurance coverage for his wife through The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists. The union provides coverage to members based on their performance income.

Jackson, an Opry member since 1956, sued Gaylord and 44-year-old Opry general manager Pete Fisher for $20 million earlier this year, claiming age discrimination and breach of contract.

Jackson echoes Louvin's claims about an unwritten agreement. He said that his appearances declined after Fisher was hired in 1998 and that he lost his health insurance.

The format at the Grand Ole Opry has changed little since it started in 1925. Performers march on and off stage, doing two or three songs apiece. Today there are three or four shows a week, each up to 2 1/2 hours long. Members and guest artists share the performance slots, which can range from eight on a Tuesday show to 18 on a Saturday night.

For many years, WSM - the radio station that started the Opry and still broadcasts it - helped members get bookings during the week. Even now, the Opry has a trust fund that helps members and others in the industry when they fall on hard times.

But it is unlikely they were promised lifelong security, said writer Craig Havighurst, author of the forthcoming book "Air Castle of the South: WSM and the Making of Music City."

"I never heard one person indicate in any way any expectation of a retirement benefit or a lifetime ticket to the stage," Havighurst said.

Vince Gill , a 17-year member, balked at the suggestion of age discrimination, but said veteran members have some legitimate gripes. He said there were times in the Opry's long history when the hitmakers of the day did not join the cast, but stalwarts like Louvin and Jackson showed up week after week to keep the institution going.

"If I had been at that place 40 years and done the things those folks had done, I'd feel slighted too sometimes," Gill said. "But the management has bosses, too, and they want to see it grow and only have so many slots a night to get filled."

Gill advocates a return to a mandatory minimum number of appearances for cast members, plus a cap on the maximum. That would make more room for older stars, and ensure that the more contemporary members do their part, he said.

Marlin Smoot · From: Kansas

At least the younger stars of the Opry today may have something to look forward to: when they get older they can enjoy more time at home.

It's the younger stars of the Opry who need to step up, get vocal and help honor these older Opry stars of the past that want to stay active. It would be nice for them to show an interest in the people who have helped make country music history. I know some have, but there needs to be a stronger effort.

Maybe in place of the Younger stars getting to do 2 songs, maybe they could just do their current single or their new single and let an Opry member have a turn at the mic to sing one too.

Or, perhaps the Opry could have 2 shows, one hour for the younger stars and one hour for the older stars. Its not like they have to do a set change or anything.

Herbie Meeks · From: Arkansas, USA

MARLIN
That, I think is a good plan you put forth
You would think the directors would try to
please the audience, and put the show back in the limelight.
but maybe money is doing the talking
Yes I agree, there has to be a new star added
that would perform close to the old format.
with the super musicians that once backed up
the vocalists,

Herbie

John Steele (deceased) · From: Renfrew, Ontario, Canada

"You would think the directors would try to
please the audience"

Well, there you have the crux of the whole debate.

Do you guys actually think the management of the Opry are not trying to please the audience ?

Do you think the sort of program that would please the Steel Guitar Forum crowd and the sort of program that would please the general public are the same thing ?

I understand why the older Opry stars feel slighted, but nobody ever seems to address the point mentioned above.

-John

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

There's a few older stars who can still do a decent job. Unfortunately, there's also some who are an embarrassment both to the genre and to themselves. The Opry was always the venue for the best that country music had to offer, and to degrade it weekly with poor performances does no one any good. You have to know when to quit.

If the older stars want to continue to perform, perhaps they could create their own venue, one not as significant as the Opry, but one that would let them still entertain their remaining fans without the pressure of poor Nielsen and Arbitron ratings.

The old Yankee baseball players can still play baseball if they want, but they probably don't expect to do it in Yankee Stadium.

Marlin Smoot · From: Kansas

Quote:
..."You would think the directors would try to
please the audience" Well, there you have the crux of the whole debate.
Do you guys actually think the management of the Opry are not trying to please the audience ?"...

John,
I think it has little to do with pleasing the audience and more to do with pleasing the advertising clients. Programming can be shifted to appeal to any demographic, the Opry is chasing the 18-34 demo where the money is.

I'm sure there was a lot of research done by the Opry on how to appeal to a younger demo and they are doing it to attract clients, not artists. Artists are the tool they use to attract the audience the Opry desires in order to sell advertising to the clients seeking that demo. That demo is the one most used by the buying ad agencys. However, I could be wrong.

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Thats a wise statement Donny. Sometimes you have to realize when you're time is over. Although I wouldn't totally disregard the older acts, some of them embarrass themselves. I think a separate show is a good idea.

James Cann · From: Phoenix, AZ

Alvin Blaine · From: Picture Rocks, Arizona, USA

Randy Phelps · From: California, USA

Gotta get this stuff in writing. There have always been scoundrels in the music biz... heck, there are scoundrels everywhere... unfortunately, if it isn't in writing... it almost doesn't matter.

It would be nice for some high profile folks to make their wishes known, but we've all seen top stars disappear for being too vocal.

I say resurrect the Renfro Valley Barndance on Sirius or XM or on the internet and focus on the music...

Dennis Schell · From: Shingletown, Shasta county, Kalifornia

Janice Brooks · From: Pleasant Gap Pa

Chris LeDrew · From: Canada

There is NO security in the the performing arts, period. Did some of these older artists really think that time investment and commitment to the Opry would result in some kind of assistance and loyalty later in life? I find that hard to believe. I'd say The Louvin Brothers took a loss on honouring the Opry shows because it was KILLER exposure. It may not have paid much, but it sold a lot of albums.
Some of these older artists who are being pushed aside no doubt pushed others aside when they were up and coming as well. It's the music business - totally brutal and unforgiving. That's why most of us just go get a job and be done with it.
_________________
Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com

Jerry Hayes · From: Virginia Beach, Va.

A lot of older artists are still holding their own and some aren't. Porter Waggoner is getting a little hard to listen to at times but occasionally he gets it done too. I attended the Opry last September with my wife who likes country music but really doesn't know who the acts are. After the show I asked her what she thought and she said "I loved the show and that "old" guy was wonderful". The old guy she was referring to was Jack Greene. His voice was so clear and steady and he sang his hits like some of the others didn't. I'd say he stole the show that night with John Conlee coming in a close second. Personally, that's what I want to hear when I go to the Opry, the older acts, the new ones you can hear on the radio everyday.....JH in Va.
_________________
Don't matter who's in Austin (or anywhere else) Ralph Mooney is still the king!!!

Ray Minich · From: Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra

Favors and goodwill, the credit and graces we build by "going the extra mile" for the powers that be, all are anihillated when regimes change...

Bill McCloskey · From: Nanuet, NY

Interesting article in the NY Times a few weeks ago talking about the fact that the Country Music "Idol", whatever it's called, has yet to produce a star. It talked about how difficult it is to break into country radio because songs and artists hang around much longer than in tradition pop 40 leaving very few open slots for new comers to break in. Unless you are coming off of American Idol like Carrie Underwood, it is difficult at best. I think the same issue goes on at the Opry. The more slots filled with the oldtimers, the less slots available for new talent. At some point the old has to give way to the new if an art form is going to continue and remain relevant.

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

Most of these "older artists" came up in a generation when a man's word was his bond. Sadly, that is not the case anymore. Today, it is all about money. It is true that some of these "older artists" have lost it and their drawing power is diminshed. However, some of these "older artists" )Ray Price, Johnny Bush, etc. still sing their a## off and have great drawing power. All entertainers will come to the day ,especially the musicians, when they just can't "cut it" anymore. I hope when I reach that time in my career, I have sense enough to "hang it up". My heart goes out to these "older artists" who have spent a lifetime singing, and are put out to pasture. Jody.
.

Joe Casey · From: Weeki Wachee .Springs FL (population.9)

Someone is always saying "things have to change". They are in a way right. However things don't have to be destroyed in order to change. And also someone above wrote: It should be up to the newbies to show respect for the ones who preceded them. Also true but first of all they have to have had respect for the tradition,for what it was. First on the respect list should be how they dress for appearances. The "T" shirt thing certainly shows they don't even respect themselves. Real Country is strong enough to survive,and it has, but there was outstanding singers and pickers who made it what it was and their history has continued to survive. The Artist who for all the years were willing to sacrifice to be a member of the OPry paid a price.The newer members are too busy with their one or two so called hits to realize they won't survive after the glitter of the rock scene oriented style changes to another phase. Country Music will survive with or without them. As long as theres a Country song.

Marlin Smoot · From: Kansas

Quote:
..."First on the respect list should be how they dress for appearances. The "T" shirt thing certainly shows they don't even respect themselves."...

Joe,
I guess they told Waylon he needed to wear a Nudie Suit too when he arrive in Nashville... does "I Don't Think Hank Done It This Way" ring a bell? I don't think Waylon done it thata way either. The Tee-Shirt stars are trying to look more like the people who come to their shows. Todays stars are trying to 'keep it real'. You are right about change. I find the Tee-shirt atrist needing help too in the image department but everything has changed and everything is more relaxed now, maybe a little too relaxed.

Joe Casey · From: Weeki Wachee .Springs FL (population.9)

Martin no disrespect meant, if the dress idea is to be like the people who come out to see them. I don't see why they shouldn't invite them all up on the stage as there is no separation from Artist to grease monkey.The point is he or she is not exactly like them they get paid to entertain them. The performers are not the ones who paid to see the audience perform. Weylons attire was never shabby although relaxed. Even if Weylon had appeared stark naked his music would have outshined his dress code. Many artist got rid of the nudie style but still you could tell them apart from the audience. I guess what I'm trying to say is we were always thought and told first impression is the lasting one. If it walks like a duck,talks like a duck ect.Oh well you got it I'm a duck :lol:PS check out my website to see somewhat where I'm coming from.

Dennis Schell · From: Shingletown, Shasta county, Kalifornia

Hey "Country Joe", where's "The Fish"?

(Are they "Goin' Up The Country"?) Wink

Best,

Dennis
_________________
"Bucks Owin"

Bill McCloskey · From: Nanuet, NY

"Martin no disrespect meant, if the dress idea is to be like the people who come out to see them. I don't see why they shouldn't invite them all up on the stage as there is no separation from Artist to grease monkey."

This subject has come up many times before. I think it completely depends on the audience you play to. I go see David Grisman every chance I get and he normally plays in a t-shirt, very informal. I don't think a single one of his fans gives a rat's behind. In fact, if he came out in matching suits, they would probably be insulted. Some go for the music, some go for the show. Some audiences want matching suits, some audiences want t-shirts and amazing music. There is no right answer - it depends on your audience.

As I've said before, for me personally, if I see matching suits on the stage, I head for the exit.

Stephen Gambrell · From: Over there

As much as we hate to admit, a GREAT number of the old-time Opry stars have flat-out lost it. Several years ago, "Bluegrass Unlimited" magazine ran a review of a Bill Monroe set---An extremely unflattering, but unfortunately HONEST review of Bill's set. The magazine was taken to task by several readers, but several who actually SAW the show agreed with the review. The same is true of a lot of the older Opry stars. Anybody remember Granpa Jones' last few appearances? Several of the old stars need to admit they're through. And if we wish to view them as museum pieces, then maybe that's where they belong.
Now, I LOVE Ray Price, George Jones, shoot, ANYTHING country, so don't come after me with sticks and arrows. But the truth is, some of these older acts paly nowhere BUT the Opry---Out of tradition, sympathy, I don't know. But I know it's true. I measure my own age by the disappearrances of my heroes.

Bill Dobkins · From: Rolla Missouri, USA

I think they have forgot that older people have money to.I would venture to say there are more millionares past 50 than under. So they go to shows in towns all over to get to listen to thier favorite
artist. The opry is missing out on this age group.
I think Pete Fisher is a dumb ass for not cattering to every age group. There are only so many seats in that place,what difference does it make how old you are if you by a ticket.He has been stated as saying( he wouldn't stop until every grey hair was gone from the Opry). Lame is all I can say, I wish a group of the greats would start their own opry and let the Rock and Rollers have the opry.
I also think it should be mandatory that to be called a country song it has to have fiddle and steel.

Mike Bowles · From: Princeton, West Virginia, USA

sorry to see country legends go i love the older stuff but sometimes father time takes a toll on us i will always have my merle george and many many others cds when they are gone i probably will be too

Forum Index > Music	Goto page 1, 2 Next	Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic