The Grand Ole
Opry's Vintage Classics
PBS television will air 12 episodes of THE
GRAND OLE OPRY’S VINTAGE CLASSICS
PRESS
RELEASE
Revisit
Rare and Memorable Country Performances in
THE
GRAND OLE OPRY’S VINTAGE CLASSICS
Picture
world famous country crooner Eddy Arnold singing the romantic ballad “You
Don’t Know Me,” a short-haired Willie Nelson emerging onto the country music
scene with his classic hit “Night Life” and Dolly Parton in a lavender
sequined jumpsuit singing a rousing performance of “Jolene.” American Public
Television’s new March 2005 pledge special, THE GRAND OLE OPRY’S VINTAGE
CLASSICS, weaves such classic clips from the Grand Ole Opry television series
into an hour-long program that will air on public television stations nationwide
starting March 1, 2005 (check local listings).
Hosted
by Grammy-winning artist and Opry member Vince Gill, this program revisits
defining performances by country artists, explores the rise of the female
country superstar and showcases the diversity of country sounds from bluegrass
finger-pickers to country balladeers. This nostalgic pledge special provides
fans with the opportunity to both see and own video of rare performances from
musical icons Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Chet Atkins and many
others as they sing the beloved country songs of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
The
Grand Ole Opry is the cornerstone of country music and has attracted the best
performers throughout the years. The program (originally called the WSM Barn
Dance) was first broadcast in 1925 on WSM radio and has since become the
longest-running live radio show in the world. In fact, 2005 marks the Opry’s
80th anniversary. In 1955 Grand Ole Opry was first broadcast on television.
“Since
its inception in 1925, the Opry has both influenced and reflected the music
Nashville’s
historic Ryman Auditorium, known as “the mother church of country music” and
the Opry’s most famous former home, serves as Gill’s backdrop as he narrates
and provides historical commentary on a selection of legendary Opry
performances. The first act features favorite songs from celebrated performers
Eddy Arnold, Ray Price, Chet Atkins, Skeeter Davis, The Statler Brothers, Jim
Reeves and Patsy Cline as they belt out tunes that shaped the Nashville sound.
The
next act first focuses on the emergence of women as country stars. Both
remarkable songwriters and entertainers, the women of country music sang of men
and heartache. THE GRAND OLE OPRY’S VINTAGE CLASSICS clips feature Dolly
Parton, Lorretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette with their classic songs about losing
their men or fighting to keep them. The segment also features male performers
who developed distinct identities. A young Johnny Cash, dressed in his classic
black attire, sings “Ring of Fire” in his recognizable deep voice, and a
lighthearted George Jones performs his first No. 1 record “White Lightnin’.”
Other
highlights include the broad range of original American music performed on the
Grand Ole Opry television series. From Eddy Arnold’s roaring yodel in
“Cattle Call” to the distinctive Appalachian sound of Roy Acuff in “Wabash
Cannonball,” the music showcased in the clips captures the vibrant diversity
of the country genre.
Executive
produced by Steve Buchanan and Martin Fischer. Produced by Jo Hunt. Associate
produced and written by Tim Weeks. THE GRAND OLE OPRY’S VINTAGE CLASSICS is
produced by High Five Entertainment in association with Gaylord Entertainment
and APT’s Premium Service. APT distributes the program to public television
stations nationwide."
The program is currently being aired on public television stations across
the country. The program DVD is being offered by public television
stations that are airing this program during their pledge drives. So, in
other words, in order to get a DVD of this program, you would have to make
a donation to the public television station. It is best to contact them
regarding pricing, etc....
Here are the details of the DVD:
Program DVD: The Grand Ole Opry's Vintage Classics
Description: Hosted by Grammy-winning artist and Opry member Vince
Gill, The Grand Ole Opry's Vintage Classics is a collection of taped
performances from the Grand Ole Opry television series broadcast in
the '50s, '60s and '70s. Featuring the biggest stars and most beloved
songs of each era, the special includes such musical icons as Patsy
Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Eddy
Arnold and many others. Songs: "You Don't Know Me" ? Eddy Arnold;
"Crazy Arms" ? Ray Price; "Yakety Axe" ? Chet Atkins; "Oh Lonesome
Me" ? Don Gibson; "The End of the World" ? Skeeter Davis; "Flowers on
the Wall" ? Statler Brothers; "Crazy" ? Patsy Cline; Medley: "Four
Walls," "Tennessee Waltz," "He'll Have to Go" ? Jim Reeves; "Leavin'
on Your Mind" ? Patsy Cline; "Jolene" ? Dolly Parton; "Stand by Your
Man" ? Tammy Wynette; "You Ain't Woman Enough" ? Loretta Lynn; "One's
on the Way" ? Loretta Lynn; "Night Life" ? Willie Nelson; "White
Lightnin'" ? George Jones; "Ring of Fire" ? Johnny Cash; "Walking
the Floor Over You" ? Ernest Tubbs; "Makin' Believe" ? Kitty Wells;
"Wabash Cannonball" ? Roy Acuff; "Uncle Pen" ? Bill Monroe; "Foggy
Mountain Breakdown" ? Flatt and Scruggs; "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" ?
Sons of the Pioneers; "El Paso" ? Marty Robbins; "Cattle Call" ? Eddy
Arnold; "Alabama Jubilee" ? Chet Atkins. 60 minutes.