That Nashville Sound Sunday Newsbytes - New Music Videos & Upcoming Releases

We're playing catch-up this weekend with lots and lots of new music videos and a handful of new album introductions. TNS would love to hear from you- what's your favorite off of the list below?

- Bill Withers, Tim O'Brien, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Connie Smith and many others from the bluegrass genre have contributed to a new project celebrating one of the Grand Ole Opry's all time favorites: Rhinestone Hillbilly: A Tribute to Little Jimmy Dickens.

- Rockabilly singer Sonny Burgess, who recorded for Sun Records, passed away at the age of 88.

- Billy Ray Cyrus‘ upcoming album Set The Record Straight, which releases November 10, will be packed with collaborations with Joe Perry, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bryan Adams, Glenn Hughes, Jencarlos Canela, and Ronnie Milsap, as well as with Cyrus’ daughter Miley Cyrus.

- That Nashville Sound favorite Aubrie Sellers released a new music video for "Paper Doll."

- Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Pete Kuykendall has died in Virginia at age 79.

- Kip Moore has released a new music video for his song "Bittersweet Company."

- Bluegrass artist Rebekah Long has enlisted the production and writing help of Donna Ulisse on her new album Run Away that will be coming out on September 8.

- The Texas Gentelmen released a new music video for their song "Bondurant Women."

- Radney Foster's upcoming September 15 release, For You To See The Stars, is a project comprised of two parts - a book of short fiction and an album of the songs that inspired them.

- Doug Supernaw has re-recorded his biggest charted songs and will release a new Greatest Hits package on September 22.

- A new project will be forthcoming from the famed Jennings family with Shooter Jennings' Live at Billy Bob's TX- to be released on November 10.

- November 10 will also be the release date for Taylor Swift's next pop album, Reputation. Her first single off of the project is "Look What You Made Me Do."

- Carly Pearce will be releasing an album on Big Machine Records on October 13 under the same name of her big surprise chart hit, Every Little Thing.  

Opry Member Jeannie Seely To Release Written In Song In January

Artist: Jeannie Seely
Album: Written In Song
Label: Smith Music Group
Release date: January 13, 2016

GRAMMY award-winning and longtime Grand Ole Opry Member Jeannie Seely will release her next album on January 13 entitled Written In Song. The project includes 14 tracks all co-written or self-penned by Seely and includes 14 songs recorded by country legends like Merle Haggard (“Life of a Rodeo Cowboy), Dottie West (“He’s All I Need”), Ernest Tubb (“Sometimes I Do”), Ray Price (“Enough to Lie”) and more.

The project includes special guests including Kenny and Tess Sears, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Jan Howard and Jessi Colter.

“Written In Song is such an exciting project for me for many reasons,” states Seely. “It consists of 14 songs that I have written over the years, most of them recorded by my peers and my heroes. It’s also very rewarding to know that these songs have stood the test of time and are just as viable today. I am extremely grateful to the musicians and singers who made them sound brand new.”

A BMI-awarded songwriter, Seely’s songs have been recorded by Country Music Hall of Fame members Faron Young, Merle Haggard, Connie Smith, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Ernest Tubb and Little Jimmy Dickens, as well as by many other artists including Doyle Lawson, Lorrie Morgan and Irma Thomas.

Written In Song Track Listing:

 1. Sometimes I Do
 2. He's All I Need
 3. I'm Never Gonna See You
 4. Senses
 5. Anyone Who Knows What Love Is
 6. You Don't Need Me
 7. My Love For You
 8. Leavin' And Sayin' Goodbye
 9. The Pain Once You're Gone
 10. He Always Got What He Wanted
 11. Life Of A Rodeo Cowboy
 12. Enough To Lie
 13. Who Needs You
 14. We're Still Hangin' In There Ain't We Jessi
 

TNS Video History- Little Jimmy Dickens- "Sleep at the Foot of the Bed"

Little Jimmy Dickens Passes Away at the Age of 94

Anyone even semi-familiar with the culture of country music knew Little Jimmy Dickens. Across decades and generations, the 94 year-old was a fixture in country music present and past. With his passing yesterday, the genre has lost an icon.

Brad Paisley probably said it best, "Jimmy made more out of his time on earth than anyone I've ever known; an incredible life in every measurable way. Longevity? Yes, practically unheard of. Faith? Totally and wholeheartedly. Humor? There was no one funnier, or with a better sense of it. A true entertainer? The best I've ever seen. Charm? Unmatched. Love? This was a big one.  I think he loved everyone he ever met, and if not, he never let it be known," he wrote.  "Much will be said and written about his incredible and unique place in Country Music history. Which could fill a book. But that isn't how I'll remember him," he continued, while also posting tributes on Twitter. "I will remember the human being that best check-marked all the boxes of a complete and wonderful life. My hero."

Born in Bolt, West Virginia, Dickens began his musical career in the late 1930s, performing on WJLS radio station in Beckley, West Virginia while attending West Virginia University. He soon quit school to pursue a full-time music career, and travelled the country performing on various local radio stations under the name "Jimmy the Kid."

In 1948, Dickens was heard performing on WKNX, a radio station in Saginaw, Michigan by Roy Acuff, who introduced him to Art Satherly at Columbia Records and officials from the Grand Ole Opry. Dickens signed with Columbia in September and joined the Opry in August. Around this time he began using the nickname, Little Jimmy Dickens, inspired by his short stature.

Dickens recorded many novelty songs for Columbia, including "Country Boy", "A-Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed", and "I'm Little But I'm Loud". His song "Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)" inspired Hank Williams to nickname him "Tater". Later, telling Jimmy he needed a hit, Williams penned "Hey Good Lookin'" specifically for Dickens in only 20 minutes while on a Grand Ole Opry tour bus. A week later Williams cut the song himself, jokingly telling him, "That song's too good for you!"

In 1950, Dickens formed the Country Boys with musicians Jabbo Arrington, Grady Martin, Bob Moore and Thumbs Carllile. It was during this time that he discovered future Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Robbins at a Phoenix, Arizona television station while on tour with the Grand Ole Opry road show. In 1957, Dickens left the Grand Ole Opry to tour with the Philip Morris Country Music Show.

In 1962, Dickens scored his first top-10 country hit since 1954 with "The Violet and the Rose".
In 1964, Dickens became the first country artist to circle the globe while on tour, and also made numerous TV appearances, including on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. In 1965, he released his biggest hit, "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose", reaching No. 1 on the country chart and No. 15 on the pop chart.

In the late 1960s, Dickens left Columbia for Decca Records before moving again to United Artists in 1971. That same year, he married his wife, Mona, and in 1975 he returned to the Grand Ole Opry. In 1983. Dickens was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Dickens joined producers Randall Franks and Alan Autry for the In the Heat of the Night cast CD “Christmas Time’s A Comin’”, performing "Jingle Bells" with the cast (the CD was released on Sonlite and MGM/UA and was one of the most popular Christmas releases of 1991 and 1992 with Southern retailers).

Toward the end of his life, Dickens made appearances in a number of music videos by fellow country musician and West Virginia native Brad Paisley. He was also featured on several of Paisley's albums in bonus comedy tracks, along with other Opry mainstays such as George Jones and Bill Anderson. They are collectively referred to as the Kung-Pao Buckaroos.

With the death of Hank Locklin in March 2009, Dickens became the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 90. He made regular appearances as a host at the Opry, often with the self-deprecating joke that he is also known as "Willie Nelson after taxes." At the 2011 CMA Awards, Jimmy was dressed up as Justin Bieber, and made fun of Bieber's then-current paternity scandal.

TNS Video History- Little Jimmy Dickens- "Hillbilly Fever"

TNS Video History- Little Jimmy Dickens- "It May Be Silly, But Ain't It Fun"

A very young Little Jimmy Dickens performs "It May Be Silly, But Ain't It Fun."

Grand Ole Opry Returns Home Tonight- Live On GAC

The Grand Ole Opry returns to its historic home - the Grand Ole Opry House - for the first time since being displaced as a result of May's historic Nashville flood and Great American Country (GAC) will bring it to you live in Country Comes Home: An Opry Celebration, Tuesday, September 28, 8:00 p.m./Central.

Among the stars scheduled to appear are Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Dickens, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner and Keith Urban. Viewers will also get an exclusive look at the fully refurbished Opry House and beloved Opry stage where 46 inches of water stood following the May flood. No doubt plenty of attention will be focused on the Opry House's signature element, a six foot circle of oak taken from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry's former home. The circle was removed from the Opry House stage, painstakingly refurbished and returned to its rightful spot center stage.

"For the past several years, GAC has been proud to be the television home of the Grand Ole Opry," says GAC President Ed Hardy. "Touring the Opry House two days after the devastating floods was a very emotional experience for me. GAC partnered with the Opry and the Nashville Convention and Visitor's Bureau to host the Music City Keep On Playin' telethon which raised over $1.8 million for Nashville flood victims. Now, it is with great pride that GAC once again brings America the excitement and emotion of the Opry's return to its beautifully restored home."

The Opry has not missed a single show since the flood, broadcasting from several Nashville venues including former Opry homes the Ryman Auditorium and the War Memorial Auditorium. GAC remains the only place on television where fans can enjoy all the excitement of Grand Ole Opry performances.

Grand Ole Opry Announces September 28 Return To The Grand Ole Opry House

Photo Taken This Week At The Grand Ole Opry House

Country music’s most famous radio show is returning to the house that country music built.

Grand Ole Opry officials today announced that the show, displaced from its permanent home due to May’s historic Nashville flood, will return to the Grand Ole Opry House with a star-packed show Tuesday, September 28. Among the artists scheduled for the show are Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels Band, Diamond Rio, Jimmy Dickens, Del McCoury Band, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Mel Tillis, and Josh Turner. The show will air live on GAC: Great American Country. Special events and artist appearances will follow throughout October in celebration of both the show’s return and its 85th Birthday.

The announcement came just before the Opry House’s signature element, a six-foot circle of oak wood taken from the historic Ryman Auditorium when the show moved to the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974, was returned this morning to its home center stage at the Opry House. The circle, along with the full Opry stage, had been covered by 46 inches of water during May’s flood. Rescued immediately after waters receded from the Opry House, the circle has been painstakingly refurbished. The country music treasure was placed in its rightful spot with assistance from Dickens and Paisley. The two Opry members then took to the circle behind an Opry microphone stand for an acoustic performance of the country classic “Will the Circle be Unbroken.”

CD Reviews- Brad Paisley- American Saturday Night

The Background:
American Saturday Night marks the eighth album from the reigning three-time ACM and two-time CMA Male Vocalist winner. In all, Paisley’s albums have launched 14 #1 singles – and the last 10 in a row – with album sales in excess of 10 million units, including his 2x-Platinum 2005 ACM and CMA Album of the Year, Time Well Wasted. American Saturday Night re-teams Paisley with longtime producer Frank Rogers, with whom he’s worked since the release of his million-selling debut, Who Needs Pictures. In an interview with USA Today, Paisley says he's taking a more direct approach with this album: "I'm not so worried about making the songwriters in town sit and take notice," he says, "as I am wanting people to feel like I really meant what I said on this record."

The Review:
From the very beginning, Brad Paisley has not been just a singer and musician, but a songwriter who is a singer and musician. He has an innate ability to write a song that touch on a true emotional level- songs like "We Danced," "He Didn't Have to Be," or "She's Everything" come to mind. But he also has an incredible touch for pointing out the Sienfeldian nuances in life on fun stuff like "Ticks," "I'm Gonna Miss Her," or "Online." His ability to riff on the ironies of life in his funnier songs are a gift. On both sides of that coin, Brad has country music fans loving every word. American Saturday Night is another wonderful combination of this same pen and paper gumbo that country music has come to like about him. Fatherhood may be the reason for a slightly (only slightly) more serious and mature musical theme on this album. During an interview on GAC, Brad admitted that this album is more serious, more thoughtful than previous albums, and that it does show through. From imagining his new son growing up in "Anything Like Me", to the thought of life with a new love in "I Hope That's Me" and the first radio single "Then", he’s on top of his game pulling on heartstrings with excellent lyrics and great melodies. The more lighthearted "American Saturday Night" is commentary on the multiculturalism of America and the current radio single, “Welcome To The Future,” inspired by the election of an African-American President, has meaningful and tangible lyrics. But not to worry, there’s still some comedic relief form of "Catch all the Fish" and "The Pants.” The only disappointment? That there was not a hymn or instrumental song on the album. Found on Brad's previous albums, the hymns were usually a beautiful touch and perhaps something he’ll readdress on future albums. That the regular rocking guitar instrumental is missing isn’t a complete surprise considering an album full of them was released late last year, but they have been solid additions to previous album. Also, a little Kung Pao Buckaroo fun (the old-timers are a blast) would have kept a unique theme going- seeing that it’s the only recording Little Jimmy Dickens is doing these days, it’s a great call-out to some of the greats. This is truly a fantastic album, superior in nearly every way. Lyrically, musically and emotionally, he has hit his stride as an artist.

Sounds Like:
Steve Wariner’s Voice With Jerry Reed’s Humor

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
American Saturday Night
Welcome To The Future
Anything Like Me
Catch All The Fish

The Verdict:
Four And A Half Stars Out Of Five

GRAND OLE OPRY WEEK- Backstage At The Opry House

We continue on with our weeklong feature on the official stage of country music, The Grand Ole Opry. When they moved from the historic Ryman to the Grand Ole Opry House, it was said that they had an entire city backstage. So much so, that they created their own little mini Opry Post Office- with each and every living Opry member getting their own post office box. And I always smile when I hear the guide say that the mailboxes are in alphabetical order, except Jimmy Dickens’ is a row or two lower than the other “D’s” for reasons of “height-impairment.” You are most welcome to write letters to the Opry members, and you don’t even need a mailbox number. The Opry staff places your mail in the boxes by name of the artist rather than by box number. Simply address your mail as follows:

Artist Name
Grand Ole Opry
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

GRAND OLE OPRY WEEK- Top Ten All-Time Notable Grand Ole Opry Performers

For over 80 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been a weekly radio program featuring the best of country music, folk songs and bluegrass mountain tunes. Beginning in the 1950’s, it became the nation’s favorite radio program- where every song played on the stage was broadcast to a huge swath of America. Postcards and telegrams would come in from Vancouver to Cuba and all spots in between. It solidified Nashville as Music City- the country music capital of the world. All this week, we’re running a series of articles and observations featuring this legendary program. This article features another one of our Top Ten lists- this one called The Top Ten All-Time Notable Grand Ole Opry Performers. And we begin the countdown to the #1 here...

10. (tie) Garth Brooks- With four of his country records exceeding the sales number of ten million sold, Brooks has “retired” from recording (but not from his Opry membership) with over 100 million albums sold. He helped re-raise the profile of the Opry in the 1990’s to super-uber-cool status and he ranks his Opry membership as his proudest career accomplishment.

10. (Tie) Little Jimmy Dickens- Standing at a whopping 4 foot 11 inches tall, Jimmy has spent an amazing 50 years as an Opry member. He joined the Grand Ole Opry way back in 1953 and has quite possibly performed more times on the Ryman and Grand Ole Opry House stages more than any other performer. Hanging out in equal time with Hank Williams Sr and Brad Paisley, he goes beyond the element of time in country music.

9. Minnie Pearl- Born Sarah Colley, an upper-class girl from Tennessee, Minnie Pearl created her character after watching a brassy female comedian way back in 1936. She would join the Opry in 1940 and spend the next 50 years as an Opry member making audiences laugh until their sides hurt- all while wearing her trademark straw hat with the price tag still attached.

8. Uncle Dave Macon- He was one of the very first true stars of the Grand Ole Opry- even playing on WSM before it had a name- known then as the Barn Dance. David Harrison Macon was one of the most influential country music catalysts in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s- bringing this unique sound to radio, stage and performances. The banjo player is a Country Music Hall-Of-Fame member.

7. Roy Acuff- He was the Garth Brooks of the 1930’s and 1940’s- selling more records than anyone else in his generation. Affectionately known as the “King of Country Music”, he influenced the careers of dozens of other Opry performers.

6. Loretta Lynn- Everyone’s favorite “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is quickly approaching her 50th year as an Opry member as well- she was originally inducted back in 1962. She was first noticed and supported by Patsy Cline, but it was Texan Ernest Tubb who would be an early partner and introduce her on her first Opry performance back in 1960. She has consistently called that evening “the best moment of my life.”

5. Dolly Parton- Despite being famous for an actor, author, cosmetic pioneer, amusement park owner and television star, it all begins and ends with music for Dolly Parton. She is a Country Music Hall-Of-Fame member, a Songwriters Hall-Of-Fame member and a Gospel Music Hall-Of-Fame member in addition to being a Grand Ole Opry member since 1969. Her first performance was way back in 1959.

4. Patsy Cline- Possibly the shortest notable member of the bunch, Patsy became an Opry member in 1960 before tragically passing away in a plane crash in 1963. She is still viewed as the quintessential voice in country music and her trademark song “Crazy” is considered to many to be the #1 country music song in history.

3. Johnny Cash- The “Man in Black” had a tumultuous relationship with the Opry. In 1965, he dragged his microphone stand across the front of the Ryman stage breaking all of the footlights. He was banished from the Opry that night- later that evening he crashed his car breaking his nose and jaw. Some of his personal career highlights were his performances with or adjacent to the love of his life, June Carter Cash. He joined the Opry cast in 1956.

2. The Carter Family- On May 29, 1950, “Mother” Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters- June, Anita and Helen” were formally inducted to become Opry members. From extremely rural roots, this family personified the country music scene beginning in the late 30’s and had a major influence until June’s recent death.

1. Hank Williams- Way back on June 11, 1949, Hank Williams made his Opry debut. The audience there that day called him back six times to encore his song “Lovesick Blues.” Opry legend Little Jimmy Dickens calls it the most amazing performance he’s ever seen. Hank also became the most famous Opry firing as his alcoholism that derailed his life at the young age of 29 also forced the Opry management to relieve him of his Opry membership that same year.

Country Music Hall Of Fame Readies New Exhibit

Sprinkled with rhinestones and embroidered with roses, skulls, and other iconic symbols, the one-of-a-kind designs of couturier Manuel—and the stars who wear them—are the subject of Country Couture, an exhibit of portraits taken by award-winning British photographer Cambridge Jones bowing April 10 in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s West Gallery. The exhibit will run through October 31, 2009.

A native of Mexico, Manuel Cuevas has outfitted presidents, movie stars, rock legends, and scores of country artists during his career of more than fifty years. As protégé to Nudie Cohn, the Rodeo Tailor, Manuel Cuevas designed many of the colorful stage costumes that bear Nudie’s label. In 1989, Manuel Cuevas relocated from Hollywood to Nashville, where he continues to fashion distinctive western clothing inspired by the personalities of his clients.

Artists featured in Country Couture include Kix Brooks, Little Jimmy Dickens, the Hager Twins, Merle Haggard, Jim Lauderdale, Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Milsap, Lorrie Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys, Pam Tillis, Tanya Tucker, Porter Wagoner and Dwight Yoakam.

Grand Ole Opry Photo- Gloriana & Little Jimmy Dickens

Attached is an image from Gloriana’s Grand Ole Opry debut this past Friday- everything that's great about the Opry- the shiny new right alongside the respected old guard.

Country music newcomers Gloriana got the chance to meet Grand Ole Opry member, the legendary Little Jimmy Dickens, backstage right after they performed their debut single “Wild At Heart,” which is currently in the Top 30 on R&R and Music Row.

L-R
Mike Gossin, Cheyenne Kimball, Little Jimmy Dickens, Rachel Reinert, and Tom Gossin

Little Jimmy Dickens & Merle Haggard Doing Better After Surgeries

People Magazine has an exclusive article about Merle Haggard's recovery from having a lemon-sized tumor removed from his lung this past year.

"I'm doing real well – a little better every day," the country legend tells PEOPLE. "I have a little bicycle in the back room I'm starting to exercise on and I'm going into the studio to see how my voice sounds."

Haggard also is headed back to the studio to record new material for a new album and has just penned a new song called "Hopes Are High" in honor of the new President Barrack Obama.

In separate, but equally encouraging news, Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry star Little Jimmy Dickens has been moved to an area rehabilitation center after surgery to repair a subdural hematoma. Dickens is alert and has been visited by friends including Pete Fisher, the Grand Ole Opry's Vice President and General Manager. Dickens does not anticipate a lengthy stay at the center, and is looking forward to getting back to the Opry stage.

Happy Birthday To Little Jimmy Dickens- 88 Years Young

That Nashville Sound wishes Little Jimmy Dickens a warm birthday wish for today, his 88th birthday.

You can watch a young Dickens and a young June Carter Cash do a skit for television nearly 50 years ago here.

A regular at the Grand Ole Opry for almost sixty years, Dickens is famous for his humorous novelty songs, his small size, 4'11", and his rhinestone-studded outfits.

Dickens' musical career began in the late 1930s, when he began performing on a local radio station while attending West Virginia University. He soon quit school to pursue a full-time music career, and travelled the country performing on various local radio stations under the name "Jimmy the Kid."

In 1948 Dickens was heard performing on a radio station in Saginaw, Michigan, by Roy Acuff, who introduced him to Art Satherley at Columbia Records and officials from the Grand Ole Opry. Dickens signed with Columbia in September and joined the Grand Ole Opry in August. Around this time he began using the nickname "Little Jimmy Dickens," a name inspired by his height of 4 feet 11 inches.

Dickens recorded many novelty songs for Columbia around this time, including "Country Boy," "A-Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed" and "I'm Little But I'm Loud." His song "Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)" inspired Hank Williams to nickname him "Tater."

In 1950 he formed the Country Boys with musicians Jabbo Arrington, Grady Moore and Bob Moore. In 1957 he left the Grand Ole Opry to tour with the Philip Morris Country Music Show.
In 1962 Dickens released "The Violet and the Rose," his first top ten single in twelve years. During 1964 he became the first country artist to circle the globe while on tour, and also made numerous TV appearances including The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Around this time he released his biggest hit, "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose," reaching number one in the country charts and number fifteen in the pop charts.

In the late 1960s he left Columbia for Decca Records, before moving again to United Artists in 1971. That same year he married his wife, Mona, and in 1975 he returned to the Grand Ole Opry. In 1983 Dickens was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Recently Dickens has made appearances in a number of music videos by fellow country musician and West Virginia native Brad Paisley. He has also been featured on several of Paisley's albums in bonus comedy tracks along with other Opry mainstays such as George Jones and Bill Anderson. They are collectively referred to as the Kung-Pao Buckaroos.

Cool Country Halloween Pumpkins At The Opry

The Grand Ole Opry Pumpkin Patch is growing! In celebration of Opry Month as well as the upcoming Halloween holiday, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville has created a unique display of pumpkins with famous country artists on them. Fans can view the display in the Opry House Lobby while visiting shows and special events throughout October.

The Pumpkin Patch features eleven pumpkins hand-carved by artist Brad Miller of Mechanicsville, VA. Depicted in the Pumpkin Patch are Opry members Little Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Charlie Daniels, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart and Trace Atkins. Aren't they cool?

Opry To Honor Little Jimmy Dickens' 60 Years on November 1st

Little Jimmy Dickens, age 90, is easily the oldest legendary statesman in country music today. Amazingly, Dickens was born in the same year that The Grand Ole Opry got its start. In August of 1948, Jimmy Dickens' dream came true. He became a member of the Opry.

60 years later, he is still a part of the Opry family and is the longest standing member. On November 1, The Opry will honor Dickens for his 60 years in a special signature show. Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, and George Jones have been announced to take part in this special evening.

“Jimmy Dickens is uniquely and forever tied to the Grand Ole Opry,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. “He is one of the most beloved and respected people in the history of not only the Opry, but all of country music, and we are thrilled to celebrate this landmark anniversary with him.”

This will be a night of the Opry that should not be missed. In person, on WSM-AM, on XM, or however else, this will be a special night.

Todays new country listeners probably know Dickens best for his Spaghetti Western skits at the end of all of the Brad Paisley albums or from his joke-telling on his Opry segments. But take a minute this November 1st to celebrate a long-time legend. You'll be glad you did.

Below are interviews of this great legend- very entertaining to hear how long Dickens has been influencing Nashville music.

Part One:

Part Two: