Diane’s Country Music Newsletter — 12 July 2023
Wednesday, July 12th, 2023NEWS
Congratulations to Bill Anderson for being a Grand Ole Opry member for 62 years, longer than any other performer in history. He broke the record of Herman Crook, who joined with his string band, The Crook Brothers, in 1926 and stayed on the Opry for 61 years, 11 months, and 17 days, until his death in 1988. Bill writes on Facebook: “Tuesday July 11, 1961….I was sitting in my living room watching a black and white telecast of the Major League All-Star baseball game from San Francisco, when I received a telephone call that changed my life. I almost didn’t get up to answer the phone. Who would dare to call and interrupt me in the middle of such a momentous event? After about the third ring, I got up, shuffled into the den, and picked up the receiver. I’m sure my greeting sounded a bit less than cheerful.” It was Ott Devine, calling to ask if Bill would like to become a member of the Opry. Bill says, “I’m not sure I even watched another pitch. I was too busy calling friends and family to share the news. I was made the 48th member of the Opry cast four days later.” His membership has never lapsed. The Opry will commemorate the anniversary on Saturday, July 22. (more…)