The Grand Ole Opry is widely regarded as the most prestigious stage in country music. When musicians receive their initial invitation to perform at this revered venue, and later when they become official members, it is often considered a significant milestone in their career.
Despite being a country star, not all musicians have a consistently positive relationship with the Opry throughout their entire career. Throughout the years, several performers have been requested to leave the stage due to various reasons. These reasons include not adhering to the venue's unwritten standards of behavior or not meeting the official requirements for membership.
At an event called Opry Goes Dolly, held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024, a performer named Elle King caused a lot of anger and upset. She appeared on stage clearly intoxicated, openly admitting to being extremely drunk. She engaged in a slightly confrontational conversation with the audience and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me."
The location expressed regret to individuals who were upset by King's choice of words. However, numerous supporters of the Opry on social media believed that King should be the one to apologize and that her actions were severe enough to justify being banned from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, there have been multiple cases where artists were banned from performing at the Opry. However, one might question if King's actions truly justify such a drastic measure. By examining a few instances that occurred in the venue's early years, specifically before 1973, it becomes evident that it is indeed a possibility.
Johnny Cash was prohibited from performing at the Opry following a memorable 1973 concert where he destroyed stage lights using a microphone stand. Alcohol played a significant role in causing this incident. Hank Williams, who is widely known as one of the Opry's most renowned banned artists, lost his membership due to his excessive drinking and lack of dependability. Additionally, Jerry Lee Lewis was removed from the Opry stage for various reasons, including using profanity live on air.
However, it is important to note that there is only one instance where a singer was completely and permanently banned from the Opry, and this decision was not made by the venue itself. Therefore, it is probable that even if King's actions lead to her being temporarily absent from performing on the Opry stage, it is unlikely to have lasting consequences on her ability to play at the Grand Ole Opry.
Continue reading to discover more about the celebrities who have been prohibited from performing on the Opry stage and the actions that led to their expulsion.
6 Celebrities Excluded from the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons for Their Removal)
Image Credit: Carena Liptak
Here are 26 country music stars who are surprising not members of the Grand Ole Opry. The credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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