Roughstock.com

Acuff And The Grand Ole Opry

By: Roughstock Staff

Last Updated: January 27, 2009 12:01 AM

Perhaps no other institution is more synonymous with country music than WSM Radio's Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Since 1925, it has featured country music acts on it's stage for live Saturday night broadcasts. This program has introduced the nation to most, if not all, of the greats of country music. To this day, membership on the Opry remains one of a Country Music artist's greatest ambitions

The Opry began as a show with primarily part-time artists who used the show to promote their live appearances throughout the South and Midwest, but with the help of Roy Acuff, the professionalism of country music became established at the Opry.

The King of Country Music could well have become another Lou Gehrig or Babe Ruth. Born in Maynardville, Tennessee, Roy Claxton Acuff seemed destined to become an athlete. Following a move to Fountain City (near Knoxville), Acuff gained 13 varsity letters in high school, eventually playing minor league ball and being considered for the New York Yankees. Sever sunstroke put an end to that career, confining Acuff to be for the better part of 1929 and 1930.

By 1933, Acuff formed a group, the Tennessee Crackerjacks, in which Clell Summey played dobro, thus providing the distinctive sound that came to be associated with Acuff (and later provided by Pete 'Bashful Brother Oswald' Kirby). Acuff married Mildred Douglas in 1936, that same year recording two sessions for ARC (a company controlling a host of labels, later merged with Columbia). Tracks from these sessions included two of his greatest hits: "Wabash Cannonball" (featuring vocals by Dynamite Hatcher) (Watch Here) and "The Great Speckle Bird" (Listen Here).

Making his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in 1938, Acuff soon became a regular on the show, changing the name of the band once more to the Smoky Mountain Boys. He won many friends with his sincere, mountain-boy vocal style and his dobro-flavoured band sound, and eventually became as popular as Uncle Dave Macon, who was the Opry's main attraction at the time.

During the '40s, Acuff's recordings became so popular that he headed Frank Sinatra in some major music polls and reportedly caused Japanese troops to yell 'To hell with Roosevelt, to hell with Babe Ruth, to hell with Roy Acuff' as they banzai-charged at Okinawa. These years also saw some of his biggest hits, including "Wreck on the Highway" (1942), Fireball Mail (1942), Night Train to Memphis (1943), and two tracks included here: "Tied Down," "That's What Makes the Jukebox Play," and his classic "The Precious Jewel."

Acuff's tremendous contribution to country music was recognized in November 1962, when he became the first living musician to be honored as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He guested on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's triple album set "Will The Circle Be Unbroken?" in 1972, lending credence to contemporary and country-rock music. He continued to appear regularly on the Grand Ole Opry throughout the '70s and '80s, but cut down on his previously extensive touring schedule, until by the early '90s his only appearances were infrequent guest spots at Opryland. He died on November 23, 1992 following a short illness.

Roughstock's History of Country Music
Introduction Bill Monroe and Bluegrass ('40-'60) Outlaw Country (1970s)
     
The Beginnings ('20-'40) Cowboy Music (1940-1960) Urban Country (1980s)
     
Western Swing ('30-'50) Honky Tonk Music (1950s) Garth And New Country (1990s)
     
Acuff & The Grand Ole Opry (1940s) The Nashville Sound (1960s)  

Click here to get daily updates from Roughstock.

Email It | Print It | Post A Comment | Bookmark and Share

READER'S COMMENTS

medifast promo code says:

Posted: 14 hours ago

This is a great inspiring article. I am pretty much pleased with your good work. to know about medifast discount codes please visit our site.

ac repair says:

Posted: 18 hours ago

You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about an hour. I am a newbie and your success is very much an inspiration for me. ac repair

Oracle Interview Questions says:

Posted: Saturday, May 26, 2012

This is really a great blog, might you be involved in doing an interview about how you created it? If so e-mail me! Oracle Interview Questions

sanane says:

Posted: Saturday, May 26, 2012

Web tasarım Seslisohbet Evden Eve Nakliyat Rent a Car Güvenlik Sistemleri thnaks admin very good blogs. Yüzme Kursu Bayrak kale kapı

JoshuaJones says:

Posted: Saturday, May 26, 2012

Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article. Now it become easy for me to understand and implement the concept. editing writing

Nike TN says:

Posted: Saturday, May 26, 2012

Nike TN Nike TN Requin Nike TN Pas Cher TN Pas Cher Nike TN TN Nike Requin TN t shirt t shirt pas cher t-shirt homme Requin TN TN Pas Cher Nike tn 2012 tn foot locker TN REQUIN Nike TN Nike Requin Chaussure Requin Air Max Requin TN Pas Cher Nike TN Pas Cher Puma Pas Cher

How To Lose 50 Pounds In 1 Month says:

Posted: Friday, May 25, 2012

This post is really written very well as the writer has provided valuable and useful information and facts about the topic. I will look forward to the posts written by you in future!

link building services says:

Posted: Friday, May 25, 2012

"This is nice post which I was awaiting for such an article and I have gained some useful information from this site. . Thanks so much. link building services

high tunnels says:

Posted: Friday, May 25, 2012

Haygrove is a 20 year old UK based principally horticultural business. We have a wide range of high tunnels and substrate growing systems and we welcome you to visit our show sites to see them for yourself. high tunnels

signs says:

Posted: Friday, May 25, 2012

Your article is simply fabulous. It’s got a lot of interesting information that is well-written, engaging and intelligent. Your ideas are very smart and fresh. Thank you for creating such unique content for your readers. signs

signs says:

Posted: Friday, May 25, 2012

Your article is simply fabulous. It’s got a lot of interesting information that is well-written, engaging and intelligent. Your ideas are very smart and fresh. Thank you for creating such unique content for your readers. signs

mobile laptop stand says:

Posted: Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Crane DJ Laptop Stand was created by Garett Fitzpatrick and Rob Noble on a bar napkin in Seattle in 2007. A conversation about the lack of a quality Adjustable Laptop Stands in the market led the two on a journey to create one themselves

Giuseppe Zanotti Mens says:

Posted: Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Giuseppe Zanotti High Tops for Men are some of the most fashionable high top sneakers money can buy. Giuseppe Zanotti high tops are available with side zips, have leather innersoles and soft linings. These trainers are made in Italy but sold by Jada Styles in London, England.

Umrah says:

Posted: Tuesday, May 1, 2012

I really like this singer song and the all types fashion of this men.

Giuseppe Zanotti Mens says:

Posted: Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Giuseppe Zanotti High Tops for Men are some of the most fashionable high top sneakers money can buy. Giuseppe Zanotti high tops are available with side zips, have leather innersoles and soft linings. These trainers are made in Italy but sold by Jada Styles in London, England.

Micheal Porter says:

Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Excellent stuff from you, man. I’ve read your things before and you are just too awesome. I adore what you have got right here. You make it entertaining and you still manage to keep it smart.

online backgammon says:

Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012

Thanks for the kind words. Not sure what’s going on with the people telling you to stay away from informational niches, ALL my niches are information based. I have no product based sites that I’m earning with. Maybe these people were never earning and might not have things set up right? Not sure what to think of that kind of logic. If it has a high CPC and high volume of traffic with a lot of ads I can’t imagine you won’t earn. Maybe stay away from gambling and other niches that might eventually be banned/go down the tubes I hope that helps… ts my first ever visit on this site……good information being shared here.. thanks once again.

Hoa Beckwith says:

Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012

The King of Country Music could well have become another Lou Gehrig or Babe Ruth.

KarissaMcalister says:

Posted: Thursday, April 5, 2012

Perhaps no other institution is more synonymous with country music than WSM Radio's Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Since 1925, it has featured country music acts on it's stage for live

UGG Bailey Button says:

Posted: Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!

Warne says:

Posted: Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Once again you guys have brightened up a study session that was getting dull! It’s like taking a break whilst still learning, thanks

maroochydore Accommodation says:

Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012

You truly make it appear so simple together with your presentation but I locate this topic to be truly something which I assume I would by no means understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your subsequent post.

the ovulation cycle says:

Posted: Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Incomprehensible to me now, but in general, the usefulness and significance is overwhelming. Your article will make the world better. Thanks again and good luck to you in your life. See you next time

Marion says:

Posted: Wednesday, January 4, 2012

This is mt favorite! It's this kind of music that I love listening to. Hihihi! So glad others appreciate it too! Thank you for sharing this! :D If you want to see more of these, visit MY SITE!

Lofoten says:

Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2011

This post was very nicely written, and it also carries a lot of useful facts. I appreciated your professed way of writing this post. Thanks, you have made it very easy for me to understand.

ovulating calendar says:

Posted: Tuesday, December 27, 2011

This is always very interesting for me. Thanks so much. I will continue to share your idea for other people to read.

Global Innovation says:

Posted: Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I think the things you covered through the post are quiet impressive, good job and great efforts. I found it very interesting and enjoyed reading all of it.

personal branding says:

Posted: Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I am very much pleased with the contents mentioned.I wanted to thank for this great article. I enjoyed every little bit part of it and I will be waiting for the new updates.

Cheap Flight says:

Posted: Monday, December 26, 2011

I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will go on to share. Many thanks for you!

ALANNA says:

Posted: Monday, December 26, 2011

The King of Country Music could well have become another Lou Gehrig or Babe Ruth.rheumatoid arthritis treatments Born in Maynardville, Tennessee, Roy Claxton Acuff seemed destined to become an athlete.

ALANNA says:

Posted: Monday, December 26, 2011

The King of Country Music could well have become another Lou Gehrig or Babe Ruth. Born in Maynardville, Tennessee, Roy Claxton Acuff seemed destined to become an athlete.

ovulating calculator says:

Posted: Friday, December 23, 2011

This is always very interesting for me. Thanks so much. I will continue to share your idea.

hair shears says:

Posted: Wednesday, December 14, 2011

You have got a really useful website I have been here examining for about an time. I am a amateur and your achievements is very much an creativity for me.

when you ovulate says:

Posted: Tuesday, December 13, 2011

I am happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.

ovulation conception says:

Posted: Tuesday, December 6, 2011

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Hope you will go on to share.

AnaefeDax says:

Posted: Tuesday, December 6, 2011

baby monitors says:

Posted: Monday, December 5, 2011

I've found a website on Baby Monitors. The website www.anextraeye.com has gone out to provide what we feel are the best for price in each category of video baby monitors. The selection includes wireless baby monitors, wireless digital Baby monitors as well as wireless usb monitors to help you keep an extra eye on your child. All of their Video Baby monitors are wireless systems that can help you stay connected and aware of your baby's needs. They can alert you to times when your baby is crying or needs your help even if you are not in the same room. It is like having an extra set of eyes that help you keep a closer watch on your baby for safety and peace of mind.

baby monitors says:

Posted: Monday, December 5, 2011

I've found a website on Baby Monitors. The website www.anextraeye.com has gone out to provide what we feel are the best for price in each category of video baby monitors. The selection includes wireless baby monitors, wireless digital Baby monitors as well as wireless usb monitors to help you keep an extra eye on your child. All of their Video Baby monitors are wireless systems that can help you stay connected and aware of your baby's needs. They can alert you to times when your baby is crying or needs your help even if you are not in the same room. It is like having an extra set of eyes that help you keep a closer watch on your baby for safety and peace of mind.

menstrual cycle says:

Posted: Sunday, December 4, 2011

Thanks for posting this informative article. I got what I am finding. I will continue to share it.

Julian skizer says:

Posted: Saturday, December 3, 2011

In need to get the follow up contents! Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. It contains truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more!

how to ovulate says:

Posted: Friday, December 2, 2011

Wow! How interesting share! It is so useful for people who live on this earth. Many thanks.

signs of ovulation says:

Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Thanks for a really wonderful article. I am very surprised to read it. I will share it for my friends.

dsfds says:

Posted: Monday, November 28, 2011

I started in London, as a kid. My mother knew I had sort of an inbred talent. She was an actress, so I inherited it from her. But I think I got a lot of it from my grandfather, who was a great politician.

says:

Posted: Friday, November 25, 2011

This is what I have been searching in many websites and I finally found it here. Amazing article. I am so impressed. Could never think of such a thing is possible with it…I think you have a great knowledge especially while dealings with such subjects. Bugatti appliances

Burberry Handbags Outlet says:

Posted: Thursday, November 24, 2011

Passepartout had been a sort of vagrant in his early years, and now yearned for repose; but so far he had failed to Burberry Backpack Bags find it, though he had already served in ten English houses.ZHC

ovulation tests says:

Posted: Thursday, November 24, 2011

In my opinion, your posting is very useful to everyone. Because we find life is more meaningful after reading it. Thank you!

wheeler accident says:

Posted: Wednesday, November 23, 2011

I am very much overwhelmed by your thoughts for this particular story. A more deeper and staged knowledge would be good for me

Keith Mallinson says:

Posted: Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Wonderful Article! I have bookmarked this page and I love to share this with my friends and circle of influence. Carpet Cleaning Franchises

shaunvergara109 says:

Posted: Monday, November 14, 2011

This is nice post which I was awaiting for such an artice and I have gained some useful information from this site. Thanks for sharing this information.

get pregnant says:

Posted: Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. I got some nice inspirational thoughts after reading it.

LEAVE A COMMENT