The Grand Ole Opry is widely considered as the most respected stage in country music. For artists, receiving an invitation to perform at this prestigious venue, and later becoming an official member, is a significant milestone in their career.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that not all country stars have a consistently positive connection with the Opry throughout their entire professional journey. Over the years, several artists have been requested to leave the stage due to various reasons. These reasons may include disregarding the venue's unwritten rules of behavior or not meeting the official requirements for membership.
At Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, there was a tribute show called Opry Goes Dolly to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024. However, one of the performers, Elle King, caused a lot of anger among the audience. She appeared on stage clearly intoxicated, openly admitted to being drunk, engaged in confrontational conversations with concert-goers, 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 fans of the Opry on social media believed that King should be the one to apologize and even suggested 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 were banned from performing at the Opry. However, is King's conduct truly deserving of such a drastic measure? If we examine a few instances from the venue's early years, specifically those occurring in 1973 or earlier, it becomes evident that it is indeed possible.
Johnny Cash was prohibited from performing at the Opry following a highly energetic show in 1973, during which he destroyed stage lights using a microphone stand. Alcohol played a significant role in this incident. Hank Williams, widely known as one of the Opry's most renowned banned artists, lost his membership due to his excessive drinking and lack of dependability. Similarly, Jerry Lee Lewis was removed from the Opry stage for various transgressions, including uttering an explicit profanity 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 itself. Therefore, it is likely that even if King's actions justify a temporary absence from the Opry stage, it will not have a lasting impact on her ability to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Continue reading to learn about the celebrities who have been prohibited from performing on the Opry stage, as well as the actions that led to their removal.
6 Celebrities Excluded from the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons for Their Expulsion)
Image Source: Carena Liptak
26 Country Artists Who Are Surprisingly Not Members of the Grand Ole Opry
Credit for Gallery: Billy Dukes
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