A few moments with The Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers
The Grand Ole Opry’s Director of Marketing and Communication, Dan Rogers has immersed himself in the show’s history and culture since he joined in 1998.
What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today an entertainment phenomenon showcasing a mix of country music greats from the 50s to today’s new stars. While the show can still be heard on its flagship station, Nashville’s 650 AM-WSM, fans around the world can also tune in via the internet and mobile apps. And of course, country music lovers can also take in a live performance of the Opry in Nashville every Friday and Saturday as well as most Tuesdays and seasonal Wednesdays. Among the Opry’s current members are Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban. Known around the world as "The Show That Made Country Music Famous," you can count on things happening at the Opry you just can't see anywhere else. The show was one of the Country Music Cruise’s earliest partners, and Dan has been on board every one of our cruises, spreading the word about goings-on at the Grand Ole Opry, and telling stories from the famed show. He’s also the co-author of Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, author of an Opry trivia book, and editor of the show’s 90th anniversary family album.
How did the Opry celebrate its ninetieth anniversary?
We are celebrating the Opry’s 90th as we should, by hosting some of country music’s most popular artists on stage with the music’s biggest fans in the audience. It’s been a great celebration so far with visits from Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Mel Tillis, and Carrie Underwood. Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, and Trisha Yearwood were among those who appeared at shows completely unannounced. Those were some great surprises!
Any plans for the centenary?
We’ve all been dreaming big, but we haven’t made any announcements yet. Whatever happens, I am sure it will feature the new stars, superstars, and legends of country music. And of course I hope I’m around to be a part of it in some way!
Was listening to the Grand Ole Opry a tradition in your family when you were growing up?
I grew up in Illinois, and my parents would tune in the show in our car as we would drive home from a restaurant, store, or event on a weekend night when the weather conditions were right. We heard artists like Roy Acuff and Bill Monroe. After we visited the Opry in person for the first time, I started listening to the show in my bedroom at home. Of course back then I had no idea which artist would be on next, so every new voice on the radio was a surprise guest to me! You certainly don’t have to have grown up loving country music and the Opry to appreciate it, but I’m glad I do have all those memories of shows from way back when.
Was there one Opry show when you were so glad that you were there to experience it first-hand?
I think all of us who work at the Opry and love it know how lucky we are to see country music history unfold every night the curtain goes up on another show. One night I’ll always be thankful for occurred last December. I wasn’t planning to be at the show, but I ran in for just a few minutes to take care of a quick piece of business. Jimmy Dickens was there celebrating his 94th birthday. I went to his dressing room and told him we all loved him a lot. He said he loved us right back. I commented that I hope I can live to be 94, and he said, “I hope you do, too, Dan.” He was gone just two weeks later. He left us all with so many great stories and memories, including that one.
The Opry has members who’ve scored hits across six decades. How does it feel looking backstage at so many generations of country royalty and out into the audience with just as many generations?
It might be an impossible task to find another form of entertainment that features three generations on stage and three generations in the audience. It’s pretty incredible week after week and just one of the qualities that makes the Opry unique.
What do you think makes country superstars want to play the Opry where the show itself is the headliner?
I think both fans and stars alike come to the Opry to experience country music’s home – to be reminded of where we came from and what made them like country music in the first place and also to get a glimpse into country music’s future. A night at the Opry is a great reminder of both where we have come from and that the future is in good hands.
You’re a published author! Tell us a little about your book, Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, and tell us if our guests on the Country Music Cruise will have a chance to buy a copy with the author’s signature?
One thing I think fans find most fascinating about the Opry is how relaxed the atmosphere is backstage. There is always lots of music and laughter as well as open dressing room doors. The interaction between generations of artists backstage at the Opry is one of the things we most wanted to capture in photos and in stories for our backstage book. We’ll have copies of all three of our books on board; maybe folks can go home from the cruise with a suntan AND some great Opry reading!
What can guests on our 2017 Country Music Cruise expect from you and the Opry folks?
We’ll have several fun Opry programs to offer, but by far the most exciting is that for the first time the Opry will be featured as one of the evening headliner shows. A variety of artists who have played the Opry in Nashville will come together for an Opry-type show on the boat. It’s going to be a whole lot of fun and the closest thing you’ll find to the Opry outside of Nashville!
What makes The Country Music Cruise experience special for you?
Being on the Country Music Cruise is a lot like being at the Opry. The best part is being surrounded by music you love and some of the friendliest artists and fans in the world.