Stars of the Grand Ole Opry...

[Wayne]

..There are many great voices and music makers in this historic site of Country history...take a spin of the old record player..do you remember...

Roy Acuff: born in 1903 in Maynardsville, Tennessee, grew up in Fountain City, a suburb of Knoxville. Became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1937, starred in a movie with the same name in 1939. In 1942 joined up with Fred Rose to form Nashville's first music publishing company(Acuff-Rose Publications). In 1991 Roy Acuff was twice honoured by President Bush: National Medal of Art and the Kennedy Center Honour. Roy picked up the nickname " King Of Country Music " from baseball-great and sports announcer Dizzy Dean. Known for songs like Wabash Cannonball and Great Speckled Bird.

In 1961 " Whisperin' Bill " Anderson joined the Grand Ole Opry. Known for his tremendous songwriting. Awards galore for: Male Vocalist, Duet of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year. Elected to Nashville Songwriters Association Hall of Fame, Georgia Music Hall of Fame, All-Time Greatest Country Music Songwriters( Billboard ). Known for tunes like Tip Of My Fingers, Still, City Lights.

Ernie Ashworth joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1964, known also as a songwriter, had hits like I Love To Dance With Annie, I Take The Chance and Talk Back Trembling Lips(#1 country) and was one of the first pop crossovers.

Jim Ed Brown had almost three country careers: The Browns(with older sister Maxine)had a hit with Looking Back To See, later joined by younger sister Bonnie they had I Take The Chance, The Old Lamplighter, Scarlet Ribbons and the monster hit The Three Bells..#1 country hit, #1 pop hit also on the Rhythm-And-Blues chart. Sold over a million copies, not bad for 1959. Jim Ed also had a solo career with a tune like Pop A Top Again, plus many others. Then did duet recordings with Helen Cornelius, had a few hits here also. Joined the Opry in 1963