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 highly cherished achievement in their career.
Nevertheless, not all country music stars have a completely positive and harmonious association with the Opry throughout their entire professional journey. Throughout the years, numerous artists have been requested to exit the stage, either due to their breach of the venue's unwritten rules of behavior or for not meeting the official criteria for membership.
At the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, a tribute show called Opry Goes Dolly was organized to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024. However, there was a controversial incident during the show involving performer Elle King. She appeared on stage visibly intoxicated, openly admitting to being heavily drunk. She engaged in confrontational exchanges with the audience and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me." This behavior generated outrage among the attendees.
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 be the one apologizing and that her actions were serious enough to justify her being banned from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, there have been multiple occasions where artists have been banned from performing at the Opry. However, the question arises whether King's actions truly justify such a drastic measure. By examining a few instances from the venue's early history, specifically from 1973 or earlier, it becomes evident that it is indeed a possibility.
Johnny Cash was prohibited from performing at the Opry due to an intense and memorable show in 1973, during which he angrily destroyed stage lights using a microphone stand. Alcohol played a significant role in that incident. Hank Williams, who is widely recognized as the Opry's most well-known artist to be banned, lost his membership due to his consistent drunkenness and lack of reliability. Additionally, Jerry Lee Lewis was removed from the Opry stage for various reasons, one of which included him swearing live on air using the F-word.
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 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 and the actions that led to their removal!
6 Celebrities Forbidden from Performing at the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons for their Exclusion)
Image Credit: Carena Liptak
Here are 26 country stars that you may find surprising to know are not members of the Grand Ole Opry. The credit for the gallery goes to Billy
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