The Grand Ole Opry is widely considered the most respected platform in country music. For musicians, receiving an invitation to perform at this prestigious venue, and eventually becoming an official member, is often a significant milestone in their career.
Nevertheless, not all country music stars have a consistently positive relationship with the Opry throughout their entire career. Throughout the years, several artists have been requested to leave the stage for various reasons. These reasons can include breaching the venue's unwritten rules of conduct or not meeting the official requirements for membership.
At a tribute show called Opry Goes Dolly, held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024, there was a controversial incident involving performer Elle King. She appeared on stage visibly intoxicated, openly admitting that she was heavily intoxicated. She engaged in somewhat confrontational exchanges with the audience and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me." This caused a great deal of outrage among the attendees.
The location expressed regret to those 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 be banned from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, there have been multiple cases where artists have been banned from performing at the Opry. However, is King's actions truly deserving of such a drastic measure? If we examine certain incidents that occurred in the venue's earlier years, specifically in 1973 or before, it becomes evident that it is indeed a possibility.
Following a highly energetic performance in 1973, Johnny Cash faced a ban from the Opry. During this show, he caused a ruckus by smashing stage lights with a microphone stand, with alcohol playing a significant role in his actions. One of the most well-known artists to be banned from the Opry was Hank Williams, whose membership was revoked due to his consistent drunkenness and unreliable behavior. Additionally, Jerry Lee Lewis was removed from the Opry stage for various transgressions, including the incident of him uttering an expletive live on air.
However, it is important to note that there is only one singer who has been 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 result in a temporary removal from the Opry stage, it will not have a lasting impact on her ability to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Continue reading to explore the celebrities who have been prohibited from performing on the Opry stage and the actions that led to their removal!
6 Celebrities Excluded from the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons for Their Exclusion)
Credit for Gallery: Carena Liptak
26 Country Artists Who Haven't Been Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and Will Surprise You
Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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