The Grand Ole Opry, a century-old cornerstone of country music, is marking its 100th anniversary, prompting The Tennessean to reflect on its storied history. As the world’s longest-running radio show, the Opry has solidified its status as a revered platform, hosting both guest artists and its exclusive roster of members at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House.
Opry membership, currently held by 74 artists like Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Darius Rucker, is a prestigious honor reserved for those who demonstrate a deep commitment to country music and the institution. However, the Opry holds all performers to high standards, and over its history, a few artists have faced temporary or permanent bans due to rule-breaking or disruptive behavior.
There are six artists who have been banned from the Opry stage.
🎵Johnny Cash: In 1965, Johnny Cash, under the influence, took the Opry stage and smashed the footlights with a microphone stand. Already wary of his rebellious streak, the Opry banned him, with Cash later recalling, “The night I broke all the lights… they said they couldn’t use me anymore.” He used the incident as a catalyst for wilder behavior, landing in the hospital. By 1968, Cash reconciled with the Opry and remained a member until his death in 2003.
🎵Hank Williams, Sr. was dismissed from the Opry in 1952 due to repeated no-shows caused by his alcoholism, which disrupted the show’s schedule. The iconic singer, who died at 29 in 1953 from a heart attack linked to drug and alcohol use, was never reinstated, despite efforts like the “Reinstate Hank Campaign” led by his family. Opry Vice President Dan Rogers noted in 2020 that the Opry values “living, breathing artists” who can actively contribute, leaving Williams as a “treasured past member.”
🎵Jerry Lee Lewis: In 1973, rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis broke Opry rules during a performance by playing rock music, using profanity, exceeding his time slot, and ignoring commercial breaks. Never an Opry member, his actions ensured he was not invited back, effectively ending any chance of membership.
🎵Skeeter Davis: She faced a ban in 1973 after criticizing Nashville police for arresting street preachers during a performance. Feeling “unloved” by the Opry, she described her lifelong rebellious streak to CMT. The ban was lifted in 1974, allowing her return to the stage.
🎵Neko Case: An Indie-rocker, she was permanently banned in 2001 after removing her top during a performance at the Opry Plaza Party, revealing her bra while suffering from heat stroke. She clarified to Rolling Stone in 2015 that it wasn’t a defiant act but a desperate response to extreme heat. Though devastated, she expressed contentment with performing at the Ryman Auditorium instead.
🎵Dierks Bentley: Before his fame, Dierks Bentley, then a researcher at The Nashville Network near the Opry, frequently sneaked into shows to watch and mingle with performers. The Opry eventually sent a letter asking him to stop attending every weekend. Bentley resolved this by pursuing a music career, earning an Opry membership in 2005 at age 29.