The Grand Ole Opry is widely considered as the most respected and prestigious stage for country music. When artists receive their initial invitation to perform at this revered venue, and eventually become official members, it is often regarded as a significant milestone in their career.
Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for country music artists to have a somewhat problematic association with the Opry over the course of their careers. Throughout the years, several performers have been requested to step down from performing on the Opry stage due to various reasons. These reasons may include breaking the unwritten rules of conduct expected at the venue or not meeting the official requirements for becoming a member.
At the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, there was a tribute show called Opry Goes Dolly to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024. However, a performer named Elle King caused controversy during the show. She appeared on stage clearly intoxicated, openly admitted she was heavily drunk, engaged in argumentative conversations with the audience, and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me."
The establishment expressed regret to those who were upset by King's choice of words. However, numerous supporters of the Opry on social media believed that King should personally apologize and that her actions were serious enough to justify being banned from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, there have been multiple cases of artists being banned from the Opry. However, is King's conduct truly deserving of such a drastic measure? When examining a few instances from the venue's earlier 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 incident during one of his shows. During that performance, Cash destroyed stage lights using a microphone stand, and it was widely known that alcohol played a significant role in his actions. Hank Williams, a renowned artist, also faced expulsion from the Opry for his consistent drunkenness and unreliability. Another artist, Jerry Lee Lewis, was removed from the Opry stage for various reasons, including using offensive language on live broadcast.
However, it is important to note that there is only one singer who has been 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 explore the celebrities who have been prohibited from performing on the Opry stage due to their inappropriate actions and conduct.
6 Celebrities Blacklisted by the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons Behind Their Exclusion)
Gallery Attribution: Carena Liptak
Here are 26 country music stars who surprisingly haven't become members of the Grand Ole Opry yet. The credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes
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