I AGREE!! Why should they be forced to retire just because of their age? Simply because they are getting up in years doesn't mean their talent is wearing out. And as a senior citizen, if they still have what it takes to put on a great show, then why not? Look at Dolly - 60 years young, still spunky and FULL of energy. I pray she will be around for many more years. I hope God doesn't mind waiting. :)
It is my belief that such statments as issued by Tandy Rice are pure blind stupidity at its worst. While the people in question may not perform as well as they once did,or be as popular as other new acts they have the history. How many of todays acts will be around or remembered like Little Jimmy Dickens or Roy Acuff? If these people in question choose to retire, then they should. They have earned that right. However forced retirement when these people are meeting their duties has to border on some form of facism. Isn't there enough of that in the world without having to hurt these great performers of the past? Matter of fact I like some of their music more than this corprate crap being stuffed down our throats today.
Tandy Rice and people with his way of thinking should be ashamed of themselves. The only thing we had left in Nashville that holds a "hint" of traditon was the Opry. I repeat "was". Big business and corporations who dont like or even understand country music - are in charge of what we hear/buy/see in Nashville. Why cant they leave the last piss in the ditch - alone.
Let the "old timers" as some people call them - alone. Let them have the Opry.
Its what helped to make them famous, helped to make country music great - give them their just desserts. Lets face it - back in the day - country artists didnt make a whole lot of money (not like today).....let these wonderful people have their "l5 minutes" of fame for as long as they can
"shuffle up to the microphone".
Sure, no doubt these artists arent in their prime anymore.And you can bet their bottom dollar, they know that as well as anyone. But they paved the way for all of us - give the Opry back to the folks who made it so wonderful. My father, Ramblin Roy Scott from the WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling WVA (a similar Grand Old Opry Show) is still performing. Dad just turned 80 years old. He became a member of the Jamboree in l947. He is still as vibrant and talented as he was way back when. Sure, he moves alittle slower now...but he has a dignity, a grace, a
proud stand - because he has been around all those years. He's as talented as ever.
And when I can listen to the Opry - sure their are a few "clinkers" now and then, but isnt that apart of the life and traditon of the Opry.............
Ok, I am done rambling, My sincere hope is that this petition does someting - to keep the "old timers" on the Opry - with no
retirement date. They are our "royality". We need to respect and learn and love them. For their talent and
contributions.
Tandy Rice shou
I feel terrible about 'going off' about a passing comment Tandy Rice
made. He's probably not an evil person.
Occasionally I experience an old age-hormonal freakout and suddenly
become the bitch from hell. Say, weren't y'all married to me at some
time in the past?
The audience is still largely made up of people thrilled to finally see the
show they've long
listened to, and sene on cable, people for whom coming into Nashville and
seeing this is a
lifetime memory of an experience. And THAT audience has, just in recent
weeks, warmly
welcomed and appalauded the brilliant out lesbian singer-songwriter Mary
Gautier, Elvis
Costello, The Cherryholmes trad bluegrass family--and Jack Greene and Alan
Jackson and
Dierks Bentley and Marty Stuart AND Carrie Underwood.
Open ears, open minds, and a love of country music, not fights over
definitions.
And how cool is that--and that audience. So I'd say, don't just suppprt
Opry legends,
suppoprt the open and adventurous yet tradition-honoring Opry
During and interview for the Tennessean newspaper, the G.O.O. general manager Pete Fisher,was quoted in saying "Our eventual goal here at the Opry is not to have any grey hair on our stage or in our audience" Now how stupid is that???
"country music haters" have completely destroyed the Grand Ole Opry and all it has stood for for almost 85 years...and now they want ot take away the legends.....
I suport this petition, because there would be no Opry if it had not been for these "older performers. There would be no "soul" in the Opry if this enacted. Many of the New Country are still looking for that soul and many fall short of that goal. What I support is, self retirement if they want, but it is there choice. They would know when it is time to step down.
Living very close to "The Music City Capitol Of The World", I've heard nothing of this! Unbelievable!!! My Dad was an Opry musician several, several years ago and if he were still here, he'd be shocked! So many of these legends live in my town, and George Jones is a friend.
Where is it written that when you reach the age of 65 you lose all your talent?This is the kind of thing that I've been talking about. Sixty five ain't what it used to be......and for that matter neither is 70 or 80. Where's the respect for experience, maturity, wisdom? If everyone over 65 refused to spend one dime at the Grand Ole Opry how long do you think they'd stay in business.
Barbara
They're the ones who 'put fannies in seats' actually! I myself go to the Opry to see those great legends I grew up listening to, and no they sure don't sing as they did when they were young but I still love them as much as I ever did.
I sued to like you Mr Tandy Rice but with this article you really crossed the line, how can you spit on those very people you made a fortune out of? Shame Shame Shame
I DONT LIKE THAT IDEA OF FORCED RETIREMENT AT AGE 65 EITHER AFTER ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVE MADE THE OPRY WHAT IT IS TODAY WHEN THEY JOINED THEY HAD TO BE THERE ALMOST EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT TO BE A MEMBER NEW ONES ARE ONLY THERE WHEN THEY HAVE A BREAK FROM THIER MULTI THOUSAND DOLLAR GIGS DOESNT SOUND FAIR TO ME
That doesn't make any sense. How can some0ne be forced to stop
singing. If no one pays to hear them that would be one thing but as
long as there is an audience
I love the legends,,,even the dead ones still live in me with the great music and memories we associate with them. The living greats deserve to go on for us who love and admire them so. It is also an injustice to us to stop those who still have the ability and will to reach us!
Absurd!
This is the same mentality that's been the driving force behind major labels and their desire to have mostly have young and beautiful talent to showcase, while ignoring the older and often more artistically mature artists.
I support this petition. I think that perhaps Mr. Rice should retire, because it is obvious he does not know what we-the ticket-buying public-want from the Opry. I have seen Porter and Little Jimmie draw big crowds while hot new artists were being ignored at what is now being called CMA FanFest. Come to think of it, our Fan Fair was changed and moved because of idiots who think a lot like Tandy Rice.
I hate to think about the Opry without Jean Shepard, Charlie Louvin, Stonewall Jackson, and Del Reeves, even though I know they are not accorded the respect by Opry management that they should be.
I fully support this petition. No wonder this guy is the past president of the CMA. Apparently he has made some bad decisions in the past. If he supports the younger artists more, maybe he should go to MTV or VH1 and side with CMT who nows plays much of the garbage that he is wanting on the Opry Stage.
It was not kids that started the Opry and I feel you must earn your position there. Just because RADIO STATIONS do not airplay the great, they are still that, THE GREATS. George Jones in his 70's still draws as big a crowd as any youngin does. The music today sucks compared to what Conway, Vern, Gene Watson, Dickie Overby, Patsy, Tammy, Loretta contributed.
Mr. Rice qwould probably rather have Kid Rock or maybe Cowboy Troy host the Opry who are as far country music as Ozzy Osbourne. I have an idea, Lets host an entire show with nothing but kids and see who shows up. I guarantee it will not be the ones that have supported the opry for the last 50 years. That is just my 2 cents worth. Let the greats perform as long as they want to... They earned it and THEY DESERVE IT...
I fully support this petition and dont really keep up with Country Music like my husband. But he said if Mr. Ernest Tubb were at the 'Opry' now.. Things might be somewhat different, lots of people around 'Nashville' owe that man :a lots of markers.. Every "legend" at ther 'Opry' we saw many times at 'The Ryman' and I would suppose any organization; that would sell :Hard Liqour: there, would do about anything, including; running the legends off if "They could Profit a Dollar from It".
I support this petition. Hell, without these people, country music wouldnt... couldnt possibly be half what it is today. So Rice, shut the hell up, And do you honestly think, that a cake and a thank you sendoff is going to make things better for them? They're being kicked off the one place that has truly made them legends! Its an honor for people to play on the Opry stage, mostly because of these legends. Take them away, and the Opry wont be special anymore. Dont take the legends country home away from them. Please dont.
I support this petition.They should not be asked to leave they are the roots of country music.. Most of all you would not get rid of a truck couse it was old.. no.. i think they should be able to stay as long as they like.. shoot they play great music now if you let them leave then there goes the heart of country
NO one, in ANY profession should be asked to quit is he is still able to do his job. If he isn't singing good enough for Mr. Rice, then Mr. Rice needs a new career. We are tuning in because we love the 'old timers' and wish to hear from them until its GOD'S will that we don't.
Thank You!
I guess if they get rid of any traces of Country music's roots, then they can turn it all over to the AOR machine and won't have to suffer the indignity of wearing hats and boots anymore...
Ideas like this have long since ceased to scare me...they just make me sick.
I support this petition.
If the all the artists no matter
what age,love what they are
doing they should be allowed
to do as long as they want,
Isn't this still America!
This person is talking about
people that made Country Western
to Country Music & paved the way for
these young artists.
Apparently,this person,wants to
burn a few bridges at the expense
of artists that he once lived off of.
How old is this person,why how would
it fell if they were forced out at a certain
age.
Think about it?
Jeanne Pruitt may have done this not
to cause conserversy,but
for herself & to enjoy other
things that she wants to do.
Not to make a statement!
Just by reading this article,
shows you what artists go through.
Things get taken out of context & made
it out to be something that it is not.
To make these artists retire at a
certain age would be the down fall
of Country Music & what
it was built upon!
Acceptance,Honesty,most
of all The Circle Would Be
Broken!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I support this petition. Does't Mr.Rice know about cheese & wine getting better with age. Look at all of the experience that would be lost that could help the younger performers.
I'm 60 and still playing on weekends drawing in as many young & old as i did when I was 18 hears old.
i am damn proud of it and the ones that helped me learn. J.R. EAGLE, W. JEFFERSON, OHIO.
I support this petition.
It's just unbelievable that The Legends would be "forced" into retirement. actually let me refrase that "forced to QUIT" what they love. With most it is what gives them passion in life. Oh that we all could find what they have in only on elife time!
I support this petition. The Legends are what has made the Grand Ole Opry and as long as they want and are able to perform they must be allowed to do so. A lot of them don't tour much and this way we true lovers of the TRUE COUNTRY MUSIC get to hear them and see them when we go to Nashville.
I don't mind seeing a couple negative statements but I would think that the poster of 1112 and 1120 could at least spell correctly and use better words - no reason to get nasty. Can't believe they posted as being a member of CMHOF - and it is obvious that both posts are by the same person. Let's stick to the point without offending people - that truly is not hard to do.
The Opry would not be the Opry without the legends. I'm now 68 years old, and currently celebrating my 50th year of singing country music around the world...and yes, I did first sing on the Opry in Nashvile in May 1977. The thrill I got meeting my singing idols like Marty Robbins, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe, Roy Acuff, Charlie Walker and many more. Why deprive today's young singers the opportunity of meeting and appearing with some of the great names, whatever their age....they won't live for ever, so why through away the rich legacy that the Opry legends still offer us all.
IN THEORY, I SUPPORT THIS PETITION, AND REALIZE THAT WHEN AN ISSUE LIKE THIS COMES UP, IT PUTS THE OLD TIME PERFORMERS ON THE SPOT.
BUT YOU NEVER HEAR ANY OF THEM COMPLAINING ABOUT THE STATUS QUOA.>ARE THEY TOO INTIMIDATED< OR WHAT.? JS
I fully support this petition! How can you ask the legends who helped make the Opry to leave it? Without them, there wouldn't even be country music today. You take them out of the Opry and you lose the true country music.
I believe that it's wrong to say that at a certain age someone is too old to sing. That's like saying you, yourself is too old to do what you do, Mr. Rice.
Since when is there an age limit on singing? There certainly shouldn't be. It's only fair that people of all ages, especially the legends who made country music, have the right to be heard! They should be able to continue as an Opry member, have their music played on the radio, and their videos played on TV!!
It's not fair to just push them aside to so called, "make room" for newer artists. There's enough room in the business for both the legends and new artists. Don't force retirement on our legends and make the younger generation lose out on what country music really is!!
I put the wrong thing in, I support this petition I believe that if this is what the stars like to do they should keep on doing it as long as they want to! They shouldn't be forced into anything!!! KEEP THE GOOD MUSIC ALIVE...think about it all the new singers coming out don't even sound country...if we keep that up there won't be a country music listing it will all be pop and stuff!!!! KEEP THE SINGERS AROUND!!!!
This petition is a great idea. If you force people to retire at 65... where would we be today? SO MANY people are what makes this music what it is, and its wrong to force them to retire.
I support this petition. First off, my son plays steel guitar for Tracy Byrd. Tracy is one more super person, and one of the younger performers. I was with my son back stage at the Ryman, "Grand Ole Opry" back in Feb. I met "Opry" preformers both young and " Aged to Perfection ". The combination was perfect ! The "Ryman" was sold out, and everyone loved it !
I support this petition. How can a man that has made his living by booking these artists turn his back on them!! How can he say that they should be removed from the very show that they helped create just because they reached a certain age. He himself is still booking and he is 68 years old!!! There are
'no fannies in the seats' as he says because not enough of the legends are allowed to perform. And the loyal fans of the legends don't care for the young artists that don't play and/or sing COUNTRY MUSIC!!
They don't dress like an artist, many of them can't sing and they have no charisma. But you can go to any legend's show all over the U.S. and they have a packed house and receive standing ovations and encores.
The legends of country music have and deserve to be an integral part of country music. Without them there would simply be no country music. a mixture of traditional and contemporary artistes would only enhance the traditional atmosphere of the opry, don't put the legends out to pasture before their time as you may well be killing them before their time.
I support this petition. Old country music like George Lones and Mel McDaniel rock my socks off. I love country music. Listen to 100.5 KIKN in S.F., SD
I support this petition.
I have only been to the Opry once,when on Holiday (Vacation) five years ago, has I live in England.
A lot of people who go to the Opry are probably tourist like myself, it's great to see the up and comming stars there, but they are not the legends of Country Music, some of the legends I have seen in England and Scotland.
Some that I had seen at the Opry are Connie Smith, Bill Anderson, Ray Pillow and Little Jimmy Dickens.
My only gripe after seeing them, was that they had only done one song each.
Ricky Skaggs I have seen in all three Countrys.
If any came near where I live I would be going to see them, (North East England).
If they still have a good voice, then why should they be put out to pasture.
Long may they live, and a big welcome to the new legends to come.
I support this petition. I think folks with Mr. Rice's mentality and need for control and desire for money have nearly destroyed Country Music. In fact several years ago I started looking to other countries to get my fix of country music and found and old feller in Australia who was prolific, on top for many many years, and I love his country music. This Rice mentality has lost my dollar because what they deliver isn't really good country music anymore. Mr. Rice, I see people have suggested you retire immediately, well I think I agree with them, because I don't think you can run a country music show that is really satisfying when you have such an attitude.
I think you put your foot in your mouth big time this time. Hope you can find a way to get it out without injury to yourself! I hope you are reading this and wheels are beginning to turn! I expect your retirement could do far more for the good and health of the Opry than the forced retirement of the people who have kept it alive for all these years. Just WHO are you trying to please???
I support this petition.
My God, has it come to this now...? The "Stars" that made the Opry are being asked to step out....?. Jackasses like Mr. Rice are what got school prayer taken out. I can not believe that the people in charge of the Opry are seriously thinking about this...?. I have been a musician for 42 years now and wish to God everyday that I had NOT semi-retired.....! ! !. The people that made Country music being asked to step aside to " make room" for younger, more " appealing" performers.....?. I don't hear any of these guy's asking the "founders" to step aside...?. Listening and watching the old pros is how they learn their craft....! !. If it weren't for these old pros there wouldn't be an Opry for the younger ones....?. Why not let the preformer decide when it's time for them to slow down...?. "Real" country music fans come to see the originals preform and if a young artist is on the show to, that's just a bonus for the fan. It's no wonder that the late Buck Owens and Willie Nelson and them went somwhere else to record. Country music already made one BIG mistake back when Chet Atkins changed the sound of country music, haven't we learned anything from that mistake...?. It's not the fans fault that radio stations won't play older artists. Instead of taking about this foolishness, why don't we petition the country radio stations to play more of the legends....?. After all, THEY are the ones that MADE COUNTRY MUSIC, these younger ones are just starting out. What if this STUPID policy had been in place 15 or 20 or even 30 years ago.....?, think about who we WOULDN'T have.
It's very obvious that Mr. Rice don't like traditional country music, well that's HIS opinion only, and he's entitled to it, but HE needs to keep it to himself.....!
I support this petition.This the kind of thinking that has brought the Opry to a very slippery slope in it's present state.I am 68 years old and been performing for for54 years. Better crowds today any time in the last decade.I do classic country it ain't dead.Country plays every night in Austin,TX and across the nation the public wants Opry don't. They just want weired kids with warpped minds screaming kill the cops, rape your mother.These kids parents give them money to spend so they don't have to be bothered with them.The Opry wants it. Music is not their motivator.
I can't believe Mr. Rice could be so stupid as to write something like this. Where would the Opry be without the Legends? I can't stand most of the new performers and have stopped watching the opry on GAC Saturday nights because that is all they ever have on. I love the legends. I grew up listening to the good sound of country music not the screaming that is called country now. We have 3 radio stations in the area that play the legends and I love listening to them. I make trips to the Crystal Grand in Wisconsin Dells to see the legends when they appear there and most shows are sold out our near sell outs. This just proves that they legends are still very popular. Wake up Grand Ole Opry and put our legends back on!!
