We had two shows at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, October 27th and both shows were packed with serious music fans. We always love that and appreciate all of you for coming to this historic venue. If you’re my age, you probably grew up listening to the Opry Saturday nights on an old battery radio. It was the highlight of our week and I am so honored to be a member. The Opry remains the pinnacle of Country Music. We love to perform there.
On this night, I was delighted to get a quick visit with Connie Smith and John Conlee, two great friends and great singers. I’m not sure I’ve had a real visit with either in a few years due to the pandemic but we caught up and it was so good to see them.
On this night, I was delighted to get a quick visit with Connie Smith and John Conlee, two great friends and great singers. I’m not sure I’ve had a real visit with either in a few years due to the pandemic but we caught up and it was so good to see them.
An artist on the show who was just incredible is Maggie Rose. She’s an amazing vocalist and just as nice as can be. Her sound has a lot of soul to it which I can appreciate. She just signed with an important company in Nashville, Big Loud, so you’ll no doubt be hearing even more from her soon.
As part of the big night, we also threw in a surprise for our super-talented guitar player, Chad Phillips. I wanted to be sure to acknowledge his ten years and hard work with the Farewell Party Band and for everything he does for us. After performing “Fourteen Carat Mind”, Opry radio host, Charlie Mattos, called us both over, and then I presented Chad with a crystal trophy. The inscription reads “Thanks for your ten-year contribution to making the Farewell Party Band even better as road manager, lead guitar, harmony, and band leader. Happy 10th!
We then snapped a photo backstage with Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. Thank you, Chad for all your hard work!
Former American Idol winner and multi-award winning artist, Carrie Underwood was on the show and she wowed the fans with her powerful voice on several of her biggest hits. Carrie has too many awards to note them all but she’s sold more than 85 million records, recorded 28 #1 singles,14 that she co-wrote, and she’s the most-awarded female country artist for singles in RIAA history. Before her American Idol days, Carrie opened for me on a show in Arkansas. ‘Reckon that jump-started her career? That’s what I like to tell Moe.
L-R: Me, Boo (steel), Dewayne (piano), Todd (drums), Carrie, Chad (guitar). We were missing Staley (bass) because he was watching the Texas Rangers in the World Series.
Gene Watson with Carrie Underwood backstage at the Grand Ole Opry