The Grand Ole Opry is widely regarded as the most prestigious stage in country music. Being invited to perform or becoming an official member of this iconic venue is a significant milestone in any artist's career.
Nevertheless, not all country music stars have a consistently positive and harmonious connection with the Opry throughout their entire professional journey. Throughout the years, various performers have been requested to exit the stage for various reasons, such as disregarding 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 was organized to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024. However, one of the performers, Elle King, caused a lot of anger among the audience. She appeared on stage visibly intoxicated and openly admitted to being heavily drunk. She engaged in a confrontational exchange with some of the concert-goers and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me."
The location 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 to apologize and that her actions should result in her being banned from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, the Opry has banned multiple artists, but is King's actions truly deserving of such a drastic measure? If we examine some instances from the venue's early years, specifically before 1973, it becomes evident that it is indeed a possibility.
Following a highly energetic performance in 1973, Johnny Cash was prohibited from performing at the Opry due to his destructive behavior of smashing stage lights with a microphone stand, which was significantly influenced by alcohol. Hank Williams, widely known as the Opry's most renowned banned artist, lost his membership due to his excessive drinking and lack of dependability. Similarly, Jerry Lee Lewis was expelled from the Opry stage for various reasons, including the incident of using profanity live on air.
However, it is important to note that there is only one instance where a singer was 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 are deemed deserving of a temporary absence from the Opry stage, it is unlikely to have any 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 actions and misconduct.
6 Celebrities Forbidden from Performing at the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons behind Their Exclusion)
Image Credit: Carena Liptak
26 Country Artists Who Are Not Members of the Grand Ole Opry and May Surprise You
Credit for the Gallery: Billy Dukes
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