The Grand Ole Opry is widely regarded as the most respected stage in country music. For artists, being invited to perform at this esteemed venue, and eventually earning official membership, is often considered a significant milestone in their career.
Nevertheless, not all country music stars have a consistently positive connection with the Opry throughout their entire professional journey. Over the years, there have been instances where several performers were requested to exit the stage due to various reasons. These include either infringing upon the venue's unwritten standards of behavior or failing to meet the official requirements for membership.
At the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, a tribute show called Opry Goes Dolly was organized to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024. However, during the performance, Elle King, one of the performers, caused controversy by appearing on stage visibly intoxicated. She openly admitted to being drunk and engaged in confrontational exchanges with the audience. Additionally, she forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me."
The place where the event took place expressed regret to those who were upset by King's choice of words. However, numerous fans of the Opry argued on social media 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 occasions where artists were prohibited from performing at the Opry. However, is King's actions truly deserving of such a drastic measure? Well, if we examine some instances that occurred in the venue's early years, specifically before 1973, it is evident that it is a possibility.
Following an intense performance in 1973, Johnny Cash was barred from the Opry due to his destructive behavior of breaking stage lights with a microphone stand. Alcohol played a significant role in this incident. Hank Williams, widely known as the most renowned artist to be banned from the Opry, lost his membership due to his excessive drinking and unreliable behavior. Another artist, Jerry Lee Lewis, was also expelled from the Opry stage for various misconducts, including the use of a profanity during a live broadcast.
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 her being temporarily removed from performing at the Opry, it will not significantly impact her ability to play there in the long run.
Continue reading to explore the celebrities who have been prohibited from performing on the Opry stage due to their misconduct and the actions that led to their expulsion.
The article talks about six celebrities who were banned from performing at the Grand Ole Opry and the reasons behind their expulsion. The credit for the gallery goes to Carena Liptak.
26 Country Music Artists Who Are Surprisingly Not Members of the Grand Ole Opry
Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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