Country Music News

TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(Mon., Oct.29)

Hank Snow's first recording session was held in 1936.

Sonny Osborne of the Osborne Brothers was born in Hyden, Ky., in 1937.

"Islands In The Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton hit No.1 on the country, adult contemporary and pop charts in 1983.

COUNTRY MUSIC TRIVIA

Q: What Opry member received a standing ovation following her rendition of "Paper Roses" at her 1973 Grand Ole Opry debut at age 13?

A: Lorrie Morgan, who appears on the Opry this Friday and Saturday.

MUSIC AND MORE

JONES HURT BY BROOKS 'SNUB' AT SHOW?

There has been no comment from Garth Brooks about a report that legendary singer George Jones was hurt because the younger performer would not accept Jones' invitation to join him in his recent "comeback" concert.

The Tennessean newspaper had suggested Jones was upset that Brooks did not appear with him when he returned to the Ryman Auditorium the weekend before last. As recently as two months ago, the pair seemed to be inseparable -- taking part in several recording sessions. Now, according to news provider country.com, the relationship seems to have "gone sour."

Jones' return to live performing was a great moment in the recent history of country music. Despite a deterioration in his vocal talents, he nonetheless wowed 'em in Nashville at the venerable venue.

(Thanks to UPI Feature Reporter Dennis Daily)

GARTH TO PLAY NASHVILLE

Opry member Garth Brooks will make a rare appearance in Nashville when he appears in "Lime Creek Christmas," a production at Nashville's Acuff Theatre on Dec. 9. The show -- based on a novel-in-progress by Joe Henry -- will star actor Anthony Zerbe and feature music by Brooks. It's a western play with scenes of a ranching family at Christmas.

(Tickets go on sale Nov. 5 at the Grand Ole Opry Plaza box office or at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, or call 615-871-OPRY or 615-889-3060. Tickets are $20 plus a $3 service charge and there is a six-ticket limit. Proceeds benefit Gilda's Club of Nashville and the Opry Trust Fund.)

ALAN JACKSON'S NO.1

Opry member Alan Jackson celebrated another No. 1 hit, "Where I Come From," at a party in Nashville last Friday. The mid-afternoon event took place in the ASCAP Building Lobby.

DIAMOND RIO ON 'LARRY KING LIVE'

Opry members Diamond Rio will appear on CNN's 'Larry King Love' Monday (at 9 p.m. ET). They will perform their No.1 hit "One More Day" via satellite from Nashville. The performance will air at the closing of King's show with a montage of photos about the recent events and hope for the future.

COMING SOON TO THE OPRY STAGE

Nov. 2: Lorrie Morgan, Sherrie Austin

Nov. 3: Lorrie Morgan, Sherrie Austin, The Isaacs

Nov. 9: Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins (6:30)

Nov. 10: Trace Adkins, Clint Black

Nov. 11 Benefit Concert: Bill Anderson, Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Marty Stuart, Porter Wagoner, Steve Wariner

Nov. 30: Joe Diffie, Steve Wariner

Dec. 1: Joe Diffie, Asleep at the Wheel

Dec. 8: Travis Tritt

Dec. 14: Jeff Carson

Dec. 15: Tracy Lawrence, Jeff Carson

(For Opry tickets, log on to opry.com or call 615-889-3060 or TicketMaster at 615-255-9600. Artists and schedule subject to change.)