The Grand Ole Opry is widely regarded as the most prestigious stage in country music. When artists receive an invitation to perform at this revered venue for the first time, and eventually become official members, it is often considered a significant milestone in their career.
Nevertheless, not all country music stars have a flawless and harmonious connection with the Opry throughout their entire profession. Throughout the years, several artists have been requested to step down from performing on the stage for various reasons. These reasons may include breaching the venue's unwritten rules of behavior or not meeting 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, one of the performers, Elle King, caused controversy during the show. She appeared on stage visibly intoxicated and openly admitted to being heavily drunk. She engaged in slightly confrontational discussions with the audience and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me."
The location expressed regret to those who were upset by King's use of language. However, numerous supporters of the Opry on social media demanded that King personally issue an apology and even suggested that her actions were severe enough to merit a prohibition from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, the Opry has imposed bans on various artists. However, is King's conduct truly deserving of such a drastic measure? Examining a few instances from the venue's early days, all occurring in 1973 or prior, it becomes evident that it is indeed a possibility.
In 1973, Johnny Cash was prohibited from performing at the Opry due to a memorable show where he destroyed stage lights using a microphone stand. Alcohol played a significant role in this incident. Hank Williams, widely regarded as one of the Opry's most well-known banned artists, lost his membership due to his frequent drunkenness and lack of reliability. Additionally, Jerry Lee Lewis was expelled from the Opry stage for various reasons, one of which included the use of explicit language live on air.
However, it is important to note that there is only one instance of a singer being permanently and completely banned from the Opry, and this decision was not made by the venue. Therefore, it is probable that even if King's actions justify a temporary absence from the Opry stage, it is unlikely to 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, along with the actions or conduct 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 artists who surprisingly haven't become members of the Grand Ole Opry. The credit for this gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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