By R. David Shew
Drove down to Nashville Thursday morning to watch Alex Miller stand in the Circle and make his debut on The Opry. Alex sang two songs, “My Daddy’s Dad” and “Puttin’ Up Hay,” and did not disappoint anyone.
“My Daddy’s Dad” tells the story of his love for his grandfather, GB Miller, who taught Alex to appreciate country music. Alex co-wrote this tribute with Jerry Salley.
“Puttin’ Up Hay” tells the story of growing up on the farm and watching Daisy Mae drive the tractor. Larry Cordle and Jerry Salley wrote this song with Alex.
Yes, Alex who hails from Garrard County, Kentucky made his fans and the Madison Garden Romeo members proud.
Eddie Montgomery, another Kentucky Opry star, introduced Alex Miller to the Opry crowd after singing “She Couldn’t Change Me” and “My Town.” Montgomery Gentry was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in June 2009. Eddie’s voice was strong and showed that he can still entertain the Opry house. Eddie also can still dance and twirl his microphone stand like no other.
Dailey & Vincent opened the show Thursday evening and sang one of my favorites “Always on My Mind.” Kelly Lang, the wife of T.G. Sheppard sang “Under a Tennessee Moon” which just became the newest official Tennessee state song.
Sam Williams, the son of Hank Williams Jr., was the next guest singer and truly has a good sound and beautiful vocal delivery. Eddie Montgomery entertained the Opry audience before intermission. Alex was the first act to appear after intermission and was introduced by Eddie.
A comedian, Aaron Weber, followed Alex on stage, and his delivery was perfect for the Opry. He told a joke about getting a steroid shot that had the audience in stitches.
Brennley Brown, another young debut singer like Alex, talked about her dream coming true. Hailing from Huntington Beach, California Brennley talked her parents into taking her to Nashville at 11 years-old and bought the dress that she wore on the Opry Thursday night. She was stunning!
The nightcap was Jimmy Fortune. Jimmy sang with the Statler Brothers for 21 years. Jimmy performed with Ben Isaacs and Mike Rogers Thursday evening. The three-some opened their set with crowd favorite “Flowers On The Wall” which was written by Lew Dewitt, the original tenor for the Statler Brothers. Next, they sang another crowd favorite “Elizabeth” which was penned by Jimmy. The last song of the evening was “More Than A Name On The Wall” written by Jimmy Fortune and John Rimel. The story behind this song goes back to the Vietnam Memorial.
Thank you, Alex, for a wonderful evening and congratulations for making Kentucky proud! Hope to see you again on the Opry Alex. Many thanks to Brent for listening to my stories up and down the road. You made a nice travel partner and look forward to another trip to hear the music.
