There is a lot of conversation going around in the biz about the recent news that the Grand Ole Opry will offer a Thursday night “Opry Country Classics”, a show which will feature the older, more traditional Opry stars. It is certainly a welcome addition for both the artists involved and the fans who like to see the acts that made country music famous. One veteran broadcaster thinks it is a good idea, but he feels the show should be held at the Ryman Auditorium instead of the sprawling Opry complex. We tend to agree.

All the acts involved got their Opry introduction at the legendary downtown venue. This new deal will get under way in March of next year. Even though it isn’t spoken, I would imagine that a lot of these older acts wonder if they will get to be invited much to the Friday & Saturday night shows, wondering if they are beginning to be replaced. Looking at it another way, if the older acts aren’t on the weekend Opry so much, it gives them more opportunities for work weekend gigs across the country.  They can make more money on out of town appearances than they collect from the Opry shows. This could be a win-win for the fans and the artists.