The Grand Ole Opry is widely considered as the most respected stage in country music. It is a significant milestone for artists to receive an invitation to perform at this prestigious venue, and becoming an official member is a remarkable achievement in their career.
However, not all country stars have a completely positive relationship with the Opry throughout their entire career. Throughout the years, several artists have been requested to leave the stage for various reasons. These reasons can include breaking the venue's unwritten rules of behavior or not meeting the official requirements for membership.
At a special tribute show called Opry Goes Dolly, held at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in the year 2024, there was a controversial incident involving performer Elle King. She caused outrage among the audience as she appeared on stage clearly intoxicated, openly admitting that she was heavily drunk. During her performance, she engaged in confrontational exchanges with concert-goers and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me."
The location expressed regret to individuals who were upset by King's choice of words. However, numerous fans of the Opry took to social media to argue that King should be the one to apologize, and some even believed that her actions should result in her being 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 behavior truly deserving of such a severe measure? If we examine a few instances from the venue's early history, all occurring in 1973 or before, it becomes evident that it could indeed be justified.
Johnny Cash was prohibited from performing at the Opry following a highly intense show in 1973. During this performance, he destroyed stage lights by using a microphone stand, and alcohol played a significant role in this incident. Hank Williams, who is widely recognized as one of the most well-known artists banned from the Opry, had his membership revoked due to his excessive drinking and lack of dependability. Additionally, Jerry Lee Lewis was removed from the Opry stage for various reasons, including the use of profanity during a live broadcast.
However, it is important to note that there is only one instance of a singer being permanently banned from the Opry, and this decision did not originate from the venue itself. Therefore, it is probable that even if King's actions justify a temporary absence from the Opry stage, it is unlikely to 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, and the actions that led to their expulsion!
6 Celebrities Who Were Forbidden from Performing at the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons Behind Their Exclusion)
Artwork Credit: Carena Liptak
Here are 26 country stars that may surprise you because they are not currently members of the Grand Ole Opry. The credits for the gallery go to Billy
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