The Grand Ole Opry is widely considered as the most esteemed stage in country music. For artists, receiving an invitation to perform at this iconic venue, and eventually becoming a member, is often regarded as a significant milestone in their career.
However, not all country music stars 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 breaking the unspoken behavioral guidelines of the venue 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 performer named Elle King caused controversy during the event. She appeared on stage visibly intoxicated, openly admitting that she was heavily drunk. She engaged in a playful argument with the audience members and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me." This behavior generated outrage among the attendees.
The place where the incident occurred expressed regret to the individuals who were upset by King's choice of words. However, numerous fans of the Opry took to social media to demand that King personally apologize, and some even went as far as to say that her actions were serious enough to justify being banned from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, the Opry has banned multiple artists, but is King's actions truly deserving of such a severe consequence? By examining past incidents, specifically those that occurred in 1973 or earlier, it becomes clear that it is indeed a possibility.
After a highly energetic performance in 1973, Johnny Cash was prohibited from performing at the Opry due to his destructive behavior of breaking stage lights with a microphone stand, which was largely influenced by his consumption of alcohol. Hank Williams, a well-known artist, also faced a ban from the Opry due to his frequent drunkenness and unreliable behavior. Additionally, Jerry Lee Lewis was removed from the Opry stage for multiple offenses, including the inappropriate use of profanity during a live broadcast.
However, it is important to note that there is only one instance where a singer 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 suspension from performing on the Opry stage, it will not have a lasting impact on her ability to play at the Grand Ole Opry.
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 removal.
6 Celebrities Who Were Forbidden from Performing at the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons Behind Their Exclusion)
Image Credit: Carena Liptak
Here is a collection of 26 country music artists who are surprisingly not members of the Grand Ole Opry. The credit for the gallery goes to Billy D
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