After Elle King's Opry Stint, We Look At A Few Other Opry Flops
After Elle King made some inappropriate comments during her Dolly Parton tribute on The Grand Ole Opry in January of 2024, this brought to mind some other singers who've had Opry blunders, or have been banned. While we're at it, can we make a plea to the Opry to book more 'Country' singers like Billy Dean, Suzy Bogguss, Aaron Tippin, Kathy Mattea, Sammy Kershaw, Tracy Byrd, Mark Chesnutt, Doug Stone, Ty Herndon, Ray Stevens, Alabama, Tanya Tucker, Janie Fricke, TG Sheppard, Moe Bandy and other overlooked 80s and 90s singers, in place of pop and rock stars?
Jerry Lee Lewis- In 1973, Jerry was not invited back after performing too long and singing Rock and Roll hits, in place of his 'Country' catalog.
Dierks Bentley- BEFORE he was a star, he worked at The Nashville Network, on the Opry Complex, and was banned from 'over-visiting' backstage and 'hanging' around the Opry. After he became a 'star', he was forgiven.
Skeeter Davis- Skeeter's short ban was for making a comment about police arresting 11 members of Bill Lowery's 'Christ Is The Answer Crusade' after parading through Nashville, a few days prior to her appearance. Apparently, Skeeter Davis was banned for one year in 1973- for making a comment and dedicating a song to the crusaders that were arrested.
Neko Case- Apparently the Rock and Americana singer was a guest in the summer of 2001. Neko was a little too hot performing outside on the Opry Plaza Stage, and after requests for water and relief were not met, she took off her top and performed in a bra. Apparently, Neko was banned for life!
Johnny Cash- In 1965, after several years of being an Opry member, Johnny got into a little trouble. After drinking a little too much, Johnny smashed the footlights out on the front of the Opry Stage- as seen in the movie 'I Walk The Line'. After three years, of what was supposed to be a 'lifetime' ban, Johnny was invited back to the stage.
Hank Williams, Sr.- Hank was known for his drinking! One too many visits at The Opry 'drunk', got him suspended in 1952- and he died a few months after.
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