It's been awhile since I've been to the Grand Ole Opry here in Nashville. You know what it's like; when something is right in your neck of the woods, you rarely go to see it because you think, "I don't have time this week and I can always do it next week." Repeat that process 52 times and you've got an Opry-less year!
But last night's lineup proved too hard to resist, so VoC guest presenter Jim McGuire and I headed up Briley Parkway to hit the Opry Mills Mall and then the Opry show. With a big basketball tournament in town this week, the mall was absolutely packed...as bad as the Christmas rush! But we still managed to fight our way up to the cash registers more times than we probably should have.
The Opry itself had an oustanding lineup, beginning in the first segment with David Nail, who performed his mega-hit "Red Light" and his new, Kenny Chesney-penned single, "Turning Home". David has a tremendous, soulful vocal style and although he said he was nervous, it sure didn't show. I really want to catch a full set from David when I can.
New duo Steel Magnolia were introduced by Jim Ed Brown (who sang the original version of Alan Jackson's "Pop a Top"). I wasn't sure what to expect from the Magnolias, but whatever it was, they far exceeded my expectations. Both Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones had consummate vocal control and were especially awe-inspiring on an acoustic version of the classic, "Help Me Make It Through the Night".
Speaking of consummate showman, American Idol alumnus Danny Gokey was as smooth and polished as if he had been born onstage. He has the stylish stage mannerisms of a young Sinatra while his voice soars to whatever heights a song requires. The Opry audience was packed with his fans, greeting his entry onstage with screams and near-hysteria, and he left to one of the biggest ovations of the evening.
Veteran stars graced the Opry stage as well, and our personal favourite was Joe Diffie, who performed his classic hit, "Pickup Man" and a cover of the Charlie Rich standard, "Behind Closed Doors". Joe brought his daughter and her cousin onstage as his backing singers, and although the girls sang along and bounced enthusiastically, their microphone was discreetly keep in the "off" position.
The whole two -hour show blew by in what seemed like minutes, and even though we were attending the late show (getting out at 11:30 pm), our interest and enthusiasm never flagged. I will definitely not wait as long as last time before hitting the Opry again!
Kenny Chesney - Out Last Night
is playing on Voice of Country's live stream right now!
Receive the latest Country music news and VoC programme info by signing up for our weekly newsletter. VoC is a no spam Zone! We will not provide your details to any third party.
