Saddened to hear of the passing of Grand Ole Opry star and Country music legend, Jack Greene at the age of 83. His many hits included "There Goes My Everything," "Statue Of a Fool," "All The Time," and many more. This photo was taken backstage at the Opry in December of 2000. He was a true gentleman, and loved entertaining his fans. Before his solo career took off, he was the drummer in what is considered to be the "classic" lineup of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours. Jack was the first to win the CMA's Male Vocalist of the Year award in 1967, and "There Goes My Everything" also won the CMA's Single of the Year.

A personal note: when we lived in Nashville (2000-2003), I was playing the "back room" at Tootsie's, which is just off the alley that runs between the Lower Broadway honky tonks and the backstage entrance to the Ryman Auditorium. The Opry was doing its winter run at the Ryman, and we would often see singers and musicians from the show drop into the clubs between their Opry sets. Occasionally, some would jump onstage to sing and/or jam with the club bands. On this particular occasion, it was my turn to sing a song. I announced I would be singing, "Statue Of a Fool," and counted it off. Just as the band began the intro, I glanced over toward the back door entrance to the club, and standing there in his sparkly stage outfit was the man who first made the song a hit, the "Jolly Greene Giant" himself. You can bet I was just a bit nervous! But, I sang it anyway, and I heard he was very complimentary of my rendition; so very kind of him! It's a night I'll never forget. The photo you see here was taken during our very first time backstage at the Grand Ole Opry House on December 2, 2000. L-R: Skeeter Nash, Jack Greene, Sweetie Nash.

RIP, Mr. Jack...you will be missed.

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