7/12/1976 Grand Old Opry featuring Floyd Cramer, Tom T. Hall, Boots Randolph, Les Paul, Opryland, Nashville, TN


 45 years ago today...

July 12, 1976 - Nashville, TN

Classic country, Dixieland jazz and rock guitar converged in a variety-driven show at the Grand Old Opry.
The Opry had moved to this venue from the Ryman Auditorium two years prior. Performers included pianist Floyd Cramer, country crooner Tom T. Hall, Yakety-sax player Boots Randolph and guitar innovator Les Paul.
We didn't know that Randolph and Paul would be on the bill. Ironically, we were turned away from Boots' Printer's Row nightclub the week prior for being underage. Paul was the most compelling, demonstrating his Les "Paulverizer" loop recording technique that made it seem like he was playing several guitars at once. We enjoyed Hall and his radio-friendly songs like "I Like Beer" and "Fox On the Run." Cramer was vocal-free elevator Muzak and seemed out of place in this show.
This has been my only visit to the Opry to date, but we are scheduled for a return there this September, acts TBD.

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