The Grand Ole Opry is widely considered as the most respected stage in country music. When artists receive their initial invitation to perform at this esteemed venue, and later, when they become official members, it is often regarded as one of the most significant milestones in their career.
However, not all country music stars have a perfect and harmonious connection with the Opry throughout their entire careers. Throughout the years, several performers have been requested to leave the stage for various reasons. These reasons include either not following the venue's unwritten rules of behavior or not meeting the official requirements for membership.
At the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, there was a tribute show called Opry Goes Dolly which celebrated Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024. However, one of the performers, Elle King, caused controversy during the show. She appeared on stage visibly intoxicated, openly stating that she was very drunk. Furthermore, she engaged in somewhat confrontational conversations with members of 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 took to social media to assert that King should be the one to apologize – some even believed that her actions justified her being banned from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, there have been multiple occasions where artists were banned from performing at the Opry. However, is King's conduct truly deserving of such a severe measure? If we examine a few instances from the early years of the venue, specifically those occurring in 1973 or before, it becomes evident that it is indeed a possibility.
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, who is widely known as the Opry's most renowned banned artist, had his membership revoked due to his excessive drinking and lack of dependability. Additionally, Jerry Lee Lewis was expelled from the Opry stage for various misdeeds, including the inappropriate use of explicit language during a 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 probable that even if King's actions lead to her being temporarily excluded from performing at the Opry, it is unlikely to 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, and the actions they engaged in that led to their removal!
The Grand Ole Opry has banned six stars from its stage, and here are the reasons why they were removed.
There are 26 country stars who are not members of the Grand Ole Opry that may surprise you. The gallery credit for this information goes to Billy D
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