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Grand Ole Opry
CMA's 40th Anniversary: A Celebration
Monday Night Concerts At The Ryman With Ricky Skaggs
Countryfest 98
1996 TNN Music City News Country Awards
Leon @ The Grand Ole Opry
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Leon made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, September 8th, 2001. For those who don't know, the Grand Ole Opry is the longest running live program on American radio. It is the pinnacle of achievement for every country musician to perform upon its stage.
The first of Leon's two performances from its stage was also telecast on cable's Country Music Television (CMT). Both stage performances and a pre-show interview were aired on radio station WSM in Nashville, Tennessee. The WSM broadcasts of Leon's two Opry stage shows and the preshow interview were also simulcast online.
I had missed the broadcast of the preshow interview but was able to hear it later in WSM's online archives. The interviewer, Keith Bilbrey, sounded like a genuine fan, had done his research, and best of all was fun to listen to. Unfortunately, in the course of creating this page I was unable to find the archives of Leon's Opry appearances.
Warm introductions were given by Riders in the Sky for the first show and Little Jimmy Dickens, a true Opry icon, for the second show. Speaking to Leon, Jimmy said, "We've been waiting for you for a long time!" Vince Gill followed Leon on the second show and gave a touching welcome to Leon and commented about the family atmosphere that Leon had brought with him, both on and off stage.
On stage with Leon for both sets were:
Earl Scruggs/banjo
Randy Scruggs/acoustic guitar
Sam Bush/fiddle and mandolin
Jack Wessel/bass
Teddy Jack Bridges (Leon's son)/acoustic guitar
Sugaree Bridges (Leon's daughter)/beaded gourd
I hear that Leon's wife, Jan, and his mother, Hester, were there to share the moment with him. At least three Leon Lifers were in attendance in the audience.
Leon and the band did "Columbus Stockade" and
"Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms " at both stage shows. "Columbus Stockade" was called "Georgia Blues" onThe Live Album that Leon did with New Grass Revival.
"Rollin'" was a huge hit for Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs
back in the 60s.
After the first set Leon and the band performed "Uncle Pen" backstage for CMT's camera. The sound quality was excellent. You could really appreciate, that is really hear well, Sugaree's talent on the gourd. This performance was
not part of the WSM archives and only was seen/heard on CMT.
Leon's performances were relaxed and he appeared to be savoring the moment. What a night! Friends, family, and peers all on the most famous stage in country music.
- reprinted with grudging permission from
the Mergeop's Leon Russell Mailing List
CMA's 40th Anniversary: A Celebration
Filmed on October 21, 1998
Aired on CBS, November 28, 1998
Leon made an appearance on this CMA special as a member of Randy Scruggs' Crown of Jewels All-Star Band. The band played Lonesome Ruben, an instrumental bluegrass number. The band consisted of:
Randy Scruggs
Earl Scruggs
Vince Gill
Duane Eddy
Chet Atkins
Steve Wariner
Anita Cochran
Leon Russell
Chad Cromwell
Don Was
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Leon appeared with host Ricky Skaggs, and guests Sam Moore & Shelby Lynn. Originally airred 08-05-1996. The show included stage performances, rehearsal footage, and interviews. Leon played a bit of "This Masquerade" and "A Song for You" before doing "Jumpin' Jack Flash". He played piano on much of the show and joined Sam Moore & Shelby Lynn on "Shout". The program had airred in CMT and TNN.
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| Leon &
son, Teddy Jack |
Ricky &
Leon |
Leon, Sam,
& Shelby |
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| Leon |
Leon's Rig |
Ted |
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| Leon |
Leon &
Ricky |
Leon |
Countryfest 98
Leon made a special appearance on the Countryfest 98 special. He played piano for Neal McCoy who
performed his hit, The Shake. The program aired on CBS on August 5, 1998.
1996 TNN Music City News Country Awards
Leon and Mickey Raphael backed Willie on Willie's performance of "Legend in My Time". Willie had won the Living Legend Award earlier in the evening. Willie came to the stage late causing host, Mark Miller of Sawyer Brown, filled the awkward moment by singing the Oscar Meyer jingle until Willie appeared.
My apologies for the poor quality of these images but the tape was destroyed in the process of capturing these images.
