I support this petition.
look at george jones Willie Nelson and countless others who are old but still put on a better show then the idiots that get played on radio today
You Mr. Rice suck donkey dick
I support this petition. If it were not for the "traditional" country and bluegrass legends, there would be no Grand Ole Opry. You dance with the one who brought you.
I support this petition. I support this petition like another hole in the Head..Mr rice How much is Mr Gaylord paying you to help kill the grand ole Opry and its Legends .. I though you were fond of Country Music Rock and Roll has its own area to produce there music Join Mtv and Vh-1 they might give you a job sweeping floors..I beleive in Tennessee they hung people for making suggestions like that in the old days..You are a Shame and Disgrace to all the old stars What are they gona call the Opry when you get rid of them along with Mr Gay Lord Home of Rock and Roll There are still of old Rock Stars making big Bucks ..WHO for instance and they are in there 60s + Wake up mr rice You should go out to pasture I think you are too old to write and think any more DEAD BRAIN
I support this petition. Poor Mr. Roy must be turning over in his grave. The mix of the young and old is what makes the Opry what it is. When I'm at the Opry, I enjoy seeing the older artists that I was too stupid not to enjoy till I turned 40. Now I see them when ever I can. I know their time on earth is limited and I don't want to have to say I'm sorry I didn't get to see them before they joined the Opry in the sky.
It would be like cutting out part of the history of the Opry. If you, Mr. Rice, don't like going to see the older artists may I suggest you look else where for your entertainment.
I support this petition.Tandy - who are you trying to get in bed with this time?????GAYLORD. If you don't mind me saying so, it sounded like a song we've already heard from those folks.
The idea of retiring country and bluegrass legends is an outrage! It is nonesense to believe that legends like Ralph Stanley or Earl Scruggs should be removed. They are innovators!
I support this petition.
I am DISGUSTED with even suggesting that any
entertainer should be forced to retire because of age. Uncle Jimmy Thompson was past eighty when he sat in front of an old carbon mike at eight o'clock Saturday night, November 28, 1925. He was the first on the Grand Ole Opry. Should he have not been alowed on the Opry because of his age? What has happened to respect for age, accomplishment and wisdom? Tandy Rice is a puffed-up ass who should be booted immediately. Keep the tradition - keep the Opry Greats as long as they are able and want to be on stage. I wish Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, Minnie Pearl, Rod Brasfield, Red Foley, Patsy Cline, The Fruit Jar Drinkers The Gully Jumpers, the Crook Bros., Hank Snow, Jim Reeves, Bill Monroe, Roy Acuff and many others were around to still perform on the Opry.
Keep the old timers- get rid of Tandy Rice.
I support this petition.
The older artists are the Legends of Country Music, not the younger artists, who simply yell and scream to be heard over a somewhat musical background.
Most artists know when to give it up and do not need to be forced into retirement. Jeanie Pruitt must just be tired of appearing herself, but that's not everybody!
The day they started selling hard liqour in the hollowed halls of the Ryman Auditorium, is the Very day, that place and those that operate it. "Not The Legends" mind you. but management. 'Is the day it went to hell in a handbasket to me. Texas Panhandle Swingman, Amarillo Texas
I support this petition.
Are they crazy???
Don't force the retirement of our greatest. I thought country was about old fashioned values, one of which is the respect of our elders.
I support this petition.I'm 20 years old and love all the great legends on the Opry.Jack Greene has a voice that is still great and better than any of the young singers.Charlie Louvin,Stonewall Jackson,Jimmy Dickens,Jean Shepard,Jan Howard, and all the others are who people want to see at the Opry. They are country music!!!!
I thought ageism was only a rock n roll prejudice. What a sad surprise to find out otherwise. The conscience and health of artsists, and the marketplace, will tell them when to retire. Prevent arbitrary age restrictions!
I support this petition.
what an idiotic concept. just look at johnny cash's productivity in the twilight of his career. many of these artists represent the core of what country music SHOULD be...but isn't (which is why country radio sucks and i'll never listen to it).
in conclusion i must say: up yours, mr. rice.
very truly yours,
-chris a. (devoted roots music fan)
I support this petition. To force into retirement the ones that make Grand Ole Opry what it is is so wrong. Might as well change the name if you are going to do that.
I definitively support this petition!! Moss doesn't grow on a rolling stone, and many of those old folks at the Opry are still rolling. (And beesides, I reckon THESE are the ones who "put fannies on the seets")
Name: Kathy Phillips
Email: kphillip@one-eleven.net
Subject: No Forced Retirement for the Legends of the Opry
Message: Thank you for getting this petition started. I am happy to sign the petition and I certainly hope "they" get the message. I can't imagine the Opry without the legends. It is bad enough when they leave due to bad health or death.
Name: Dennis Nelson
Email: djnvip@yahoo.com
Subject: No Forced Retirement for the Legends of the Opry
Message: Ohhhhhhhh----please keep me posted on this petition. I live with one of the Lady Legends and am very aware of the tremendous hurt--and anger that ole Puffed Rice caused many of the these people. I am absolutely appauled that anyone--even Tandy, green room lizard that he is, could stoop so low to hurt so many people so deeply.
Thank You Thank You
Dennis Nelson
Name: Sam Irwin
Email: SLI-3@cox.net
Subject: No Forced Retirement for the Legends of the Opry
Message: The pastor of the church we attend reciently spoke on changes needed to prepare for the new generations. The new generations are the future and if we don't prepare for them we could loose all we've built.
He continued making it clear that while preparing for the new generations it is the older generations that foot the bills and keep things going.
Without traditional country music and those who love and desire it, there would not be the Opry today. Without the older artist who know how to entertain and draw the crowds, there would not be an Opry today or Nashville Country Music, the Opry Land Hotel, and other facilities that keep attracting vistors.
I am a traditional country music fan for over 60 years. I try to annually go to Nashville because of the Opry. When I'm there it becomes very evident that the people in majority who go, spend money, and support the Opry, the hotels, etc. are the generations who have paid their dues and want the tradiional country enterainment from the older experienced artists. Unless it is a new up coming artists watch the camera's during an Opry show and see who gets pictures taken of them.
While we are there we are helping support and pave the way for the new sometimes called artists for the future.
Jerry Colwer was a very important special man who know doubt helped make Tandy Rice successful. Would Tnady Rice feel or speak the same if Jerry was still alive. You could never convence me that Jerry would agree.
Follow Tandy's beliefs and watch the Opry and the entertainment part of Nashville fade away.
I support this petition...I am 22 years old. I would rather see a Classic Legend of Country than a new act...Forced retirement is a hateful thing to do.
We do not support this. They should not be forced to retire. After all they are the ones who has made the Grand Ole Opry what it is today. They are the Opry's
greatest. Remember
younger isn't always better.
Im 29 yrs old and LOVE the Legends of Country. Im sick of this movement to make everything young and hip. THey dont speak on my behalf. I've been a Fan of Loretta's since i was a little kid. I've seen her at the opry and many other places. If she couldnt sing, I would pay to see her just walk on stage. THis industry has NO RESPECT for anyone over the age of 40, Its a shame, the people who built NAshville and Created COuntry Music, bringing it to the masses are being done this way, Its Ridiculous and a slap in the face to there hard work and dedication, not to mention there fans WORLD WIDE!!!!!
I am shocked at Mr Rice's suggestion to do away with the legends. I have been going to the Opry for years and always look forward to the legends and not these "One Hit" wannabees. How could you insult these legends by saying they cannot sing anymore. There is one great person that Whispers and that is Bill Anderson who can belt out any song and still winning AWARDS!. So perhaps then The Solemn Old Judge was too old and maybe should not have started the Opry. What would the Opry be without Jean Shepard, Jim Ed Brown, Charley Pride, Jeanne Seely etc. these are the people that make the Opry. I think you better think twice about what you are suggesting and support the legends.
I support this petition.
When my friend Jan asked me to read Mr. Rice's article and sign this petition (if I felt I wanted to)I thought she was joking about the content of the article!! I don't believe Mr. Tandy was in his right mind when he wrote this article...I think he should retire before he gets worse and hurts himself!! What would the opry be without it's legends the likes of Billy Walker, Jack Greene and all the other legends that make the opry what it is today. The newer stuff does have some people who someday "MIGHT" be considered legends, but for the most part, I really doubt it!! It's hard to believe some of them even have the nerve to call what they do "country music".I think they should have a place all there own to do their shows and leave the opry to the 'legends' who made the opry what it is today!!! I'd travel hundreds of miles to see the legends and probably wouldn't go across the street to see the newer artists (and I use that word loosely)
Remember Mr. Rice, opinions are like 'butt holes', everyone has one, thank goodness no one but you has yours
I support this petition. I feel that the only thing that would be accompished by forcing retirement would be an empty Opry stage. If this gentleman would stop and look at who plays the Opry regularly, he would see that there would be no one left to perform if all those over 65 were forced out.
I support this petition. This kind of thing is totally stupid. Please don't tell the legends that they are of no use anymore. They are what has made Country Music what it is today!
I support this petition.
I am getting very tired of people telling me that everything I listen to or watch or buy should be young. I am not that old but I have respect for and enjoy the "old-timers". I would rather listen to the people who understand that country music is real and not pop!
Keep the Opry as it is.
I support this petition. Ridiculous to have mandatory retirement. Loretta still packs em in and so do others. They are country while some of the newer ones sure are not what the Opry is all about.
I enjoy the legends way more than the new, hip people. Its enjoyment and an education into what country music used to be and what is isn't today...cool!
I support this petition. No one in any work field nor organization should be forced to retire because of someone's else's decision he won't be able to sing or think or manually work at age 65. I don't believe anyone should
retire from the Grand Old Opry, forced or otherwise. They could have the option to quit singing because they want to or have to because of illness but still have the ability to be honored for their past efforts. If they were good enough for the Opry in the beginning then their efforts (Honors) should continue for life. Maybe the RULES should be changed to the Grand Ole Opry. If there is an advantage to the retirement don't make it mandatory to retire. Give the advantages or whatever they get once they decide NOT to approach the 'mike' anymore but let them keep their status and name as a member of the 'GREAT' Grand Ole Opry
I support this petition. How can you think about making Connie Smith (who will be 65 this year) retire, and so many of the others that make the Opry what we go to see? Last year I saw the traveling Opry show at the Florida State Fair and all the entertainers would have fit that bill, and all were as good as they ever were! This is a travesty!
I support this petition.The Legends present a part of our American history (good or bad),and without them we're left with future generations to look at Shania Twain and Kid Rock as country ideals.PLEASE.
I support this petition. I thought age discrimination was not lawful...at the least it is not respectful or considerate. I for one would love to see more of the legends appear on the Opry TV show again. The present TV Opry line-up leaves much to be desired---and doesn't even come close to being "country" much of the time. Keep the legends out there---maybe the reason they're not selling is because no one gets to see them anymore. The ones I consider "legends" are singing as good or better than ever.
I support this petition.This Guy Should be the one retiring he need to learn his Country and the opry's backround and who and what has made country music and the opry what it is today. and that is it's LEGENDS.. not he new so called country artists that fly in over night and leave the next day when there one hit is thrown out the window. MR Rice need to get a Life..
I support this petition. My gosh, is Tandy bitter about something? or does he have UNforgiveness to deal with? I hope he's not dealing with hatred in his heart, as well. Perhaps we should all pray for him, that he will ask God for a heart of love and compassion. God has given Tandy (as well as every single person who's ever lived) forgiveness, love, compassion, kindness, chance after chance after chance, ETC. I cannot imagine such remarks coming from him - or from anybody, for that matter. I was horrified! Jeanne Pruitt was, is, and always will be FANTASTIC! My prayers go out for her, too. Maybe Little Jimmie Dickens can KICK THE DICKENS out of Tandy!!! :) The "older but young-in-the-heart" stars PAVED THE WAY for many, many of those in the music life - and not just the singers, either. HOORAY TO THEM! Well, let's continue to SHOW SUPPORT - vividly - for ALL who have ever appeared and who will appear on (or have anything at all to do with) The Grand Ole Opry - AND, yes, let's pray for Tandy. Obviously, he is hurting in his heart toward others. May the Lord be able to reach Tandy, and may Tandy be open to Him. Bitterness is a poisonous root. Yet, forgiveness is so releasing and cleansing! :) In the meantime, GOD BLESS THE GRAND OLE OPRY! The circle is and will remain UNBROKEN! May the circle of love - GOD'S love, especially - encircle each of us.
I support this petition.
I think this is totally ridiculous. The old timers so to speak should be able to perform whenever possible on the Grand Ole Opry stage!
I support this petition. I think Rice's comments are the rantings of a man who probably didn't get his way when he was in office at the CMA. People GO to the Opry to SEE the legends of country music. You always hear Hairl Hensley on WSM talking about large groups of people who have traveled hundreds of miles to the Opry--and many are senior citizens who have grown up with this music. Traditional country music is the heart of all country music, and it shouldn't be silenced because the singer is over 65.
I wholeheartedly support this petition. We should be supporting those who were the pioneers of country music, not turning our backs on them. If this is how Mr. Rice feels, I am glad he is the "past" president of the CMA...
I support this petition.
Why on earth should we impose mandatory retirement for those who have proved time and time again that age isn't a factor in talent?
To suggest that airplay is directly related to audience appeal is an ill-informed statement. Its widely known that airplay is often times not earned but largely bought.
The exact opposite is true for respect and goodness knows the legends of the Opry have more than earned that.
There are plenty of younger artists on that stage that have some major catching up to do in that department. They would do well to be mentored by the legends they share the stage with.
The legends are what make the Opry special and the Opry should feel blessed to have those still living as members. They are the heart and soul. When they are gone, the heart of the Opry will be gone. We should enjoy them while they are still with us.
I do indeed support this petition. I disagree wholeheartedly with Mr. Rice. With all due respect, ol' Tandy's been full of shit for years. Looks like he's become so full it's starting to drip out all over.
Ol' Tex
This is the biggest crock of bull I've seen in a while. If anything, we should be inviting more of the legends of country to join the Opry as they did with Ralph Stanley and Del McCoury recently. Allows them to perform for the fans without having to endure a tour schedule that even the young stars admit is exhausting.
Of course we should encourage the participation of the younger artists to keep the spirit of country alive. But when the young folks are out on those tours, who's going to be there to fill the gaps? The legends.
I support this petition. For years I have half jokingly said that to be a true country music star you had to have gray in your hair. Grand Ole Opry artists age 65 & over not only helped make the Opry, they are, in my humble opinion, the true character of the Opry. Younger members seldom appear, and most newer country artists all sound the same to me. If Mr. Rice's comments were intended to be an April Fool joke, it was done in very poor taste, the sad part is that probably is his true sentiments. How sad. I would like to suggest to Mr. Rice that maybe it is he how should step aside for younger, newer people --- he obviously is no longer in touch with reality.
I support this petition.This is just crazy! Some of the best concerts I have ever heard were from the "old folks". They never sounded better. I think a lots of people have forgotten the roots of country. You have to know where you have been to know where you are going. KEEP IT COUNTRY.
I support this petition. The Legends are who made the Opry what it is today. I love 'real' country music and it's sad our Legends don't even get fair radio play time. God Belss ALL the Legends and keep up the 'good work'. LOVE YOU ALL.
To mcn and tandy rice. I bet you are the kind of people that would have your mother put in a nursing home; just so you wouldnt want to be bothered with her. Guess the same reason exists for the Old Timers at the Opry.. I've heard Tennessee Mules that could "FART" and it would sound better than that :Young Nashville Trash: on the Opry now.. Now put that in your Chracter pipe and puff on it awhile.
I support this petition. Boy do I! You see, most modern country music is written for the commercial market with profit in mind. Taking country further and further away from the traditional sound. The Opry has always been the home of traditional country. The Opry is where traditional country should ALWAYS be and any member is ALWAYS welcome. The reason for the Hall of Fame is to acknowledge the greats and the greats will ALWAYS have an audience at the Opry!
I support this petition.I really do not believe, that this kind of nonsense exists, wanting, or forcing the very best , to say good bye, permanently. What wud the , the music business be without, Tony Bennett, Al Martino. What would the Opera be without Domingo, Pavrotti. Getting back to Country, What would the Opry be without, Billy Walker, Jack Greene, Bobby Bare, and the list goes on. Let the Lord decide, and the artist, you fools taht are making Legends, Non-Legends. It appears that a good deal of young blood, is lacking decency, empathy, and most of all brains. The only thing that exceeds their lack of class, is their inability to think. People do put their butts in a seat to see icons. I`d go see Ray Price,Billy Walker. bobby Bare, George Jones. And any of the talented females,and oh Yes Willie. Ask Farm AID.Feed the dumbells pablum, and put them to sleep, they are acting immature. Hurry for the Icons, and let the Lord decide, and let them perform forever. Including here, and Hillbilly Heaven
I support this petition.I think that the music of today is a pure disgrace.The music of most of today's artists is not country anymore,and they need to leave out the foul language!
I support this petition. I disagree with Rice's opinion - to say the least and I know the country stars of today would also disagree. Country legends are looked up to and respected by us all. If not for them, there would be no Opry, still. They have earned this, they will have this until they die- and even after.
I support this petition.I am so glad i got to see this petition so I could have a say about the Country Legends. As some of you have already stated and i've also always said " WHERE WOULD THE OPRY BE WITHOUT THE LEGENDS? I don't know where they get most of these new ones at. i can't call them talent because they have none.
i know most of these greats still go on the road and give great shows. Billy Walker is one, and Jeannie Seally and Helen Cornelious. i know because I recently seen them. But these are just a few of the great legends. Billy Walker or alot of thse legends don't get the regoninition they deserve. Billy has not only sang many great songs but he also has written many great songs and helped other people in the business. I SAY KEEP ALL THE LEGENDS. NO LEGENDS, NO OPRY. and i for one won't be listening at all .GOD BLESS EACH ONE and i also say Billy should have more than one show on Sat. He was on Fri. But too late for me here in ohio to hear him as WSM quit broadcasting. {we are an hr. behind TN.]
