CMT News

Porter Wagoner celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry Saturday (Feb. 24) by hosting the Ernest Tubb Record Shop's Midnite Jamboree, the hour-long live show that follows the Grand Ole Opry on Nashville radio station WSM-AM. Wagoner used the occasion to spotlight his former backup singer, Christie Lynn, accompanying her on a few songs but basically serving as her master of ceremonies. At one point, Little Jimmy Dickens, Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown, Stella Parton and Carol Lee Cooper trooped on stage to congratulate and joke with Wagoner. Among those who sent recorded messages was Wagoner's longtime singing partner, Dolly Parton. Wagoner's album, Wagonmaster, will be released June 5 on Anti Records.