The Grand Ole Opry is widely considered as the most respected stage in country music. For musicians, receiving an invitation to perform at this esteemed venue, and later becoming an official member, is a significant milestone in their career.
Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for country stars to experience some difficulties in their relationship with the Opry over the course of their careers. Throughout the years, several performers have been requested to no longer perform on the stage due to various reasons. These reasons may include breaching the unspoken rules of behavior set by the venue or not meeting the official requirements for membership.
At Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, 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 controversy during the show. She appeared on stage visibly intoxicated and openly admitted to being heavily intoxicated. She engaged in confrontational exchanges with members of the audience 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, several fans of the Opry took to social media to assert that King should be the one to apologize and that her actions were severe enough to be banned from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, there have been numerous cases of artists being banned from the Opry. However, is King's conduct truly deserving of such a drastic measure? Well, by examining a few incidents that took place in the early years of the venue, specifically before 1973, it becomes evident that it is indeed a possibility.
After an intense performance in 1973, Johnny Cash was forbidden from performing at the Opry due to his destructive behavior of smashing stage lights with a microphone stand, with alcohol being a significant contributing factor. Hank Williams, widely known as the most famous artist to be banned from the Opry, had his membership revoked because of his consistent intoxication and untrustworthiness. Similarly, Jerry Lee Lewis was removed from the Opry stage for various reasons, including the audacious act of using profanity during a live broadcast.
However, it is important to note that there is only one instance of a singer being 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 justify a temporary removal from the Opry stage, it is unlikely to have lasting consequences 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, along with the actions that led to their expulsion.
6 Celebrities Forbidden from Performing at the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons for Their Exclusion)
Image Credit: Carena Liptak
Here are 26 country music artists who are surprisingly not members of the Grand Ole Opry. The credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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