Sunday, July 26, 2009

A Night at the Opry

Last night Bill and I got the pleasure to go up to Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, FL, to see dear friends, Jean Shepherd and Benny Birchfield perform.
Jean is known as the Grand Lady of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and has been a member since she was 17 years old, when she had her first million selling record. She's now 76 years old, so that tells you how long she's been a member!
Benny played banjo and guitar for The Osborne Brothers, but then later on, became best friends with and guitar player for the great Roy Orbison. In talking with Benny last night, I found out that Roy died in Benny's arms after a day of flying model RC planes.
Benny and Jean have been married for almost 41 years and have 10 children and 25 grandchildren....just a precious couple that I'm so honored to know.
Here's a few pics of our time with them and the band members last night, just hanging out and catching up.
And by the way - I'm TALL standing next to Jean....lol


Benny and Jean just having a little fun after the show

A few pics of the stage band that opens the show, then later played with Jean


This ole boy playin fiddle never ONCE lifted his head...lol

Benny and Janelle backstage before the show
Benny and Bill backstage before the show

Dave, Ray and Bill before the show

2 comments:

Jennifer said...

Looks like you had lots of fun!!! I love doing stuff like that!!!
Jen

Janelle Willis Hurt said...

Oh it was SO much fun - and always good to see old friends :)
I was SURE tired Sunday morning though...lol