The Grand Ole Opry is widely considered to be the most respected stage in country music. For artists, receiving an invitation to perform at this prestigious venue, and eventually becoming an official member, is often a significant milestone in their career.
Nevertheless, not all country music stars have a consistently positive relationship with the Opry throughout their entire careers. Throughout the years, numerous performers have been requested to step down from the stage due to various reasons. These reasons could include violating the venue's unwritten rules of behavior or failing to meet the official membership expectations.
At a tribute show called Opry Goes Dolly, held at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024, there was a controversial incident involving performer Elle King. She appeared on stage while clearly intoxicated, openly sharing with the audience that she was heavily drunk. During her performance, she engaged in confrontational exchanges with some concert-goers and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me," causing a stir among the audience.
The establishment expressed regret to those who were upset by King's words. However, numerous supporters of the Opry on social media believed that King should be the one to apologize and that her actions justified her being prohibited 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? By examining a few instances that occurred in the venue's earlier years, specifically in 1973 or earlier, it becomes evident 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 act of smashing stage lights with a microphone stand. Alcohol played a significant role in this incident. Hank Williams, who is widely known as the most famous banned artist of the Opry, lost his membership due to his consistent drunkenness and unreliability. Additionally, Jerry Lee Lewis was removed from the Opry stage for various reasons, 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 was 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 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 explore the celebrities who have been barred from performing on the Opry stage, and learn about the actions that led to their expulsion!
6 Celebrities Forbidden from Performing at the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons for Their Exclusion)
Image Credit: Carena Liptak
These 26 country stars are not members of the Grand Ole Opry, and it may surprise you. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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