Page 86 - The Westerner Magazine Halloween 2018
P. 86
Of course, you never know how things Bill: I joined the Opry as a regular
are going to happen. Things fell in place member in 1961 and I don’t think
for me, better than I ever could have anyone ever forgets the night that
imagined. It became a chance to see they’re inducted. I made my first
what was behind door number one, appearance at the Opry in 1959 so I’ve
door number two, or door number been hanging around there for a long
three. When I opened one door it led time. I still do sixty to seventy
somewhere else and not always appearances a year. Golly, how many
somewhere I expected. times have I been on the Opry? I don’t
know but it’s been a lot.
I’ve had a wonderful life and blessed
life and career. Bruce: The reason I asked the question is
that you’ve worked close with the Opry
Bruce: How many times have you been
throughout your career and I was
on the Grand Ole Opry?
interested to learn if any particular
Bill: [Laughs] That’s quite a question. appearance stood out for you.
I’ve got no idea.
Bill: The night you join. And when
Bruce: Do you have a favorite you’ve been there ten years, twenty-five
performance? years, and in my case even fifty years,
those commemorations are very special.
I’ve had the opportunity to introduce
new talent including people from other
forms of entertainment: athletes, movie
stars, and others like that. It’s been a
very fulfilling part of my life to be a part
of the Opry.
Bruce: Many of us enjoy your song
“Still.” What’s the story behind your
writing of that song?
Bill: I had my first number one record as
an artist in 1962 with a song called
“Momma Sang a Song,” which was a
semi-religious song in which I did a
