Over the 12 years of the OPRY more than 200 different bands crossed our stage. Here are a few you may remember.
PICKIN' ON THE PORCH! For the most part, the bands on this page appear in no particular order or sequence. As the OPRY became established, most bands only appeared one time each year although a small number of bands were in such demand by fans they were scheduled 2-3 times during the year.
One of the first bands to ever play at the OPRY was NEW RIVER consisting of Dr. Bobby Jones, Horace Scruggs, Dean Jenks, Dean Davis and Ray Allison. Dr. Bobby was a driving force behind the beginning of the OPRY and made constant efforts to promote the venue and bring in other bands and musicians. In the early days of the OPRY, only 3 or 4 bands were available to play and those bands played about once a month for some time. Without the persistent and commitment of Dr. Bobby Jones, the OPRY might never have become a reality.
STRAIGHT and NARROW Bluegrass Band was another of the "first three" to perform with
Darin Aldridge, Dean Jenks, Harold Simpson and Ronnie Sain. They
performed often to make sure a band was on stage for the people who
attended.
Ruff 'n' Rocky Bluegrass Band was also a 'mainstay' of the early OPRY and played several times each year in order to have a band on stage. Vern Berry (guitar, lead vocal) was an avid supporter and promoter of the concept of 'live music' in Uptown Shelby and a driving force behind the beginning of the weeklyshows. Thanks to Vern and the Ruff 'n' Rocky boys forall their support and music in the 'lean times' and in the 'good times'. We had some fun!
THE DOLLAR BROTHERS from TODD, NC
THE HATLEY FAMILY Gospel Bluegrass Band
FLINTHILL with Dr. Bobby Jones, Michael Burgess, Harold Simpson, Dean Jenks and Wayne Parrish
DAVID PARMLEY and CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
LOST and FOUND Bluegrass w/Allen Mills, Dempsey Young, Scottie Sparks and Ronald Smith
Big Daddy Bluegrass Band with Steve and Bryan McMurray,
Curtis Burch (New Grass Revival) Larry and Jenny Keel, Billy Constable,
Dr. Bobby Jones
HARRIS BROTHERS
FRAGMENT #1 EBMA Bluegrass Band from Chezk and Slovak Republics GREAT FOLKS!
BLUERIDGE BLUEGRASS BAND
NONE OF THE ABOVE from Mt. Airy, NC
column 3
KEN POOVEY fiddle with POWER CREEK and a great musician and supporter of bluegrass music.
JAMES RANDOLPH author of "Old Carolina"
RYAN HOLLIDAY
CHATHAM COUNTY LINE
CANDLEWYCK
The BURGESS FAMILY from Cherryville, NC
UNSPOKEN TRADITION
SOUTHERN EXPRESS featuring Lee Ward from Charlotte, NC
DARIN and BROOKE ALDRIDGE with The HARRIS BROTHERS
CAROLINA SONSHINE
FRONTLINE
LOU REID and CAROLINA with Scott Burgess jumping in for a song!
PICKIN' ON THE PORCH! For the most part, the bands on this page appear in no particular order or sequence. As the OPRY became established, most bands only appeared one time each year although a small number of bands were in such demand by fans they were scheduled 2-3 times during the year.
One of the first bands to ever play at the OPRY was NEW RIVER consisting of Dr. Bobby Jones, Horace Scruggs, Dean Jenks, Dean Davis and Ray Allison. Dr. Bobby was a driving force behind the beginning of the OPRY and made constant efforts to promote the venue and bring in other bands and musicians. In the early days of the OPRY, only 3 or 4 bands were available to play and those bands played about once a month for some time. Without the persistent and commitment of Dr. Bobby Jones, the OPRY might never have become a reality. 
Ruff 'n' Rocky Bluegrass Band was also a 'mainstay' 
FLINTHILL with Dr. Bobby Jones, Michael Burgess, Harold Simpson, Dean Jenks and Wayne Parrish
LOST and FOUND Bluegrass w/Allen Mills, Dempsey Young, Scottie Sparks and Ronald Smith
Big Daddy Bluegrass Band with Steve and Bryan McMurray,
Curtis Burch (New Grass Revival) Larry and Jenny Keel, Billy Constable,
Dr. Bobby Jones
FRAGMENT #1 EBMA Bluegrass Band from Chezk and Slovak Republics GREAT FOLKS!
BLUERIDGE BLUEGRASS BAND
NONE OF THE ABOVE from Mt. Airy, NC
RYAN HOLLIDAY
CHATHAM COUNTY LINE
CANDLEWYCK
UNSPOKEN TRADITION
DARIN and BROOKE ALDRIDGE with The HARRIS BROTHERS
FRONTLINE
Ryan Holliday
STEEP CANYON RANGERS
