Tandy Rice recently wrote this column:

RANDOM RUMINATIONS
by Tandy Rice
Past President, CMA
President, Top Billing Inc.

SO WEVE BEEN BURNED! WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

It was Garth Brooks who recently said, "A wise man often changes his mind. A fool never does!"

I don't want to be categorized as a fool, although my feet are often accused of being buried in rock-solid, stubborn concrete when it comes to principles and ideas I hold dear. But I want to devote this month's column to the April's Fool in all of us to challenge one another to re-think a few things.

I made the statement last month that Jeanne Pruitt's recent resignation/retirement from The Grand Ole Opry was exciting, challenging, and potentially portended a new day at the Opry if the folks in charge seized the opportunity to enact new ground rules. You see, Pruett's move makes such good sense that it suggests a win/win scenario for both the Opry and a certain segment of its membership. One of the prime reasons she made this dramatic move was to "make way for a younger, more dynamic act."

I would like to suggest that the Opry enact an automatic retirement date tied directly to age, say 65. At that age, very few artists have anything "going for him or her" and their ability to be a contributing member of the Opry is substantially reduced. In other words, regardless of their previous accomplishments, they no longer "put fannies in seats" or excite those who are there. Its a hard fact of life to come to terms with if you are an artist. Its just as hard to be on stage and realize that the applause is no longer yours, but rather for someone else who is younger and getting airplay.

It seems to me that a cutoff should be in place across the board at that age and a dignifiedfarewell for all should take place. A giant cake and a thank you send-off evening would be good. It might even be fitting to pension these folks as a way of thanking them for their contributions made "during the good years."

I hope somebody out there at the Opry is reading this and wheels are starting to turn. As things stand now, an Opry member can stay as long as they can physically make it to the mike, regardless of the muffled whisper that comes out when they try to sing. I expect more for my entertainment dollar than that; and the Opry's Old Guard deserves a more dignified shake or exit plan than is currently before them!

How do you feel about the items above?
Mail me your thoughts at: PO Box 121089, Nashville, TN 37212.
Let's set up a dialogue. I want to know if your passions match mine!
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We, the undersigned, disagree with Mr. Rice whole heartedly. The Legends made the Opry what it is and without them, there will be no Opry. How long has it been since some of the younger members have appeared on that stage? The Legends made the Opry and they keep it going. They should be allowed to perform as long as they choose to. The only artist who whispers on the Opry stage is Bill Anderson and we hear him just fine! Maybe Mr. Rice should have his hearing checked. And just who would he suggest to fill the spots left by those retiring artists? He would be left with few younger members and even fewer active ones. NO FORCED RETIREMENT OF OUR COUNTRY MUSIC LEGENDS FROM THE OPRY!!!!!!!!!

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