Porter, You Will Be Missed
I want to start this blog by saying what a privilege it was for me to actually get the chance to meet the rhinestoned Porter Wagoner. The last time I sang on the Grand Ole Opry in August, Porter was the one introducing my segment of the show. A photographer there asked, "Is it OK if I snap pics of you while you are onstage?" I assured her it was fine with me, as long as she would email them to me. Well, turns out it's probably one of my most favorite pictures ever, because it's right after Porter introduced me and was walking over to stand on the side of the stage during my performance. It's my main picture on my MySpace page. It looks Photoshopped, it's so perfect.
I just got to Nashville this morning for all the happenings that are The Americana Music Association, and I'm doing some songwriting while I'm up here as well, but on Wednesday night, there was already a tribute that was going on to Porter. I'm sure it will become a celebration of life now, and make sure that everyone knows exactly what he contributed to country music and the Grand Ole Opry. For those of you that don't know, Porter is one of the sole people to get Miss Dolly Parton started in the music biz. I am walking onto the Grand Ole Opry stage again this coming weekend, and now more than ever, I really want to do country music proud. I'm dedicating my performance to him! I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
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My Ghillie » Porter, You Will Be Missed says:
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chad says:
The man is as musically an inspiration to me as the bigger, more well known names, maybe more so. I regret only that I was unable to ever see him in person. Its good to know he will live on forever with the people we know who keep his music going…
Cara says:
God Bless Porter. I’m sure that the event Wednesday will be a great celebration of Life. When I read that Porter had passed away last night I thought of the time I was in Nashville and stayed at the Opryland Hotel. The wake up call was Porter Wagoner saying “Rise and Shine”. It was greatness and has allowed me to brag that Porter Wagoner woke me up during my stay in Nashville. He definitely left his mark on this world and he will be greatly missed.
B. W. LaRoy says:
Thanks Sunny. Faders Up PW! B.W. LaRoy
Parker says:
I have only been to the Opry a couple of times and was lucky enough to see the Porter Wagoner on my last visit. He put on a great show and it was exactly what I expected!He will be surely missed in the world of country music. Thank you, Sunny, for the respectful blog!
Molly says:
At one time I thought Porter and Dolly were too country. I was wrong.
Forgive me both of you. I like Dwight, and others who are “true Couontry.”
Those in the top spots I truly enjoy, Kenny, Brad, Billy, Rodney, Martina, Carrie, etc. Toby, I dearly loved his early stuff. At his concerts, he goes a bit rock and gets loud. Not his words, but close. Not sure I like this.
But I do know Toby is getting the shaft by someone. He deserves to be nominated and win at these award shows. What is the problem folks? I may have been critical, but I still am very fond of his music, as well as these others. His talent is so evident, as well as his voice.
Molly
Jim McPeak says:
I just want to say Porter Wagnor was my parents favorite county artist. My Mom just passed away 3 weeks ago and I will pray for his family and friendsI understand what they are going through.
He was truly the face of the Grand Old Opry and Country music in general and will be missed by millions.
BigMac
Jim McPeak says:
I had to correct something. I misspelled Porter’s last name in my last comment I knew it was Wagoner my fingers just need to slow down.
I also forgot to say I thought he and Dolly were awesome together I was about (8) when he signed her on. Great job Porter
Rob says:
Porter was a legend and my grandmother’s very favorite singer. I regret never seeing him perform live. My thoughts and prayers go out to Porter’s family in their time of grief.
God Bless Porter Wagoner.
r0b
fishin hooks says:
The first thing I thought of, when I heard the news of Port’s passing, was….
OMG, Sunny is freaking out about that picture.
WOW.
There are certain people that we always say “I really wished I’d had the chance to see them in concert”, or “I really wish I could’ve met them before they passed on”…. about. Well, that was a sign, definitely. Take it for whatever kind of sign it needs to be for you, but it’s something.
That picture is just amazing, and it’s even more moving when you look at it now.