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Out of Tune: The Six Stars Banned by the Grand Ole Opry and the Scandals That Led to Their Ousting

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The Grand Ole Opry is widely regarded as the most prestigious stage in country music. For artists, receiving an invitation to perform at this revered venue is a significant milestone in their career. Furthermore, becoming an official member of the Grand Ole Opry is an even more momentous achievement.

However, there are some country stars who do not have a completely positive relationship with the Opry throughout their entire career. Throughout the years, several performers have been requested to leave the stage for various reasons. These reasons may include breaking the venue's unwritten rules of behavior 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 caused outrage when she appeared on stage visibly intoxicated, openly stating that she was heavily under the influence. She engaged in mildly confrontational exchanges with audience members and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me."

The location expressed regret to those who were upset by King's choice of words. However, numerous supporters of the Opry expressed on social media 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, the Opry has banned multiple artists, but is King's behavior truly deserving of such a severe action? When examining past occurrences from the venue's early years, specifically from 1973 or earlier, the straightforward answer is that it is indeed possible.

Johnny Cash was prohibited from performing at the Opry following a memorable concert in 1973. During that show, he destroyed stage lights using a microphone stand, and alcohol played a significant role in his actions. Hank Williams, who is arguably the most well-known artist banned from the Opry, lost his membership due to his excessive drinking and lack of reliability. Jerry Lee Lewis, on the other hand, was removed from the Opry stage for various reasons, including the incident of using profanity live on air.

However, it is important to note that there is only one instance of a singer being permanently banned from the Opry, and it was not the decision of the venue to impose the ban indefinitely. Therefore, it is probable that even if King's actions require her to take a break from performing at the Opry, 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, along with the actions that led to their removal!

Here are six notable artists who were banned from performing at the Grand Ole Opry and the reasons behind their dismissal.

26 Country Music Artists Who Are Surprisingly Not Members of the Grand Ole Opry

Credit for the gallery: Billy Dukes

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