The Oaklawn Opry Texarkana

Henry Matthews · From: Texarkana, Ark USA

This February, I have owned and operated and played in the band of the Oaklawn Opry for 25 years. February 11th show is our 25th anniversary show and also our last show. We have had a wonderful run in the last 25 years but due to falling off crowds, I've decided to close the doors. Our show and band is better now than it's ever been but changing times in country music, aging of our regular patrons and the economy, I've decided to go out with a bang.

This has been a big part of my life the last 25 years and it's a hard decision. We have had all sorts of Country Music guest. Some of my favorite being, Little Jimmy Dickens. Connie Smith, Gene Watson, Leona Williams, Doug Stone, Hank Thompson, David Ball and Box Car Willie. And the really great part is I got to play steel for a few of them, a great honor to me. We have also had a total of 10 steel guitar shows there that were fairly successful and a lot of fun. There has also been all sorts of animals on our stage, all way from trained dogs to a couple small elephants and two horses. These were for other special shows we had.

Weldon Myrick, Tom Morrell, Junior Knight, Robbie Primm, PeeWee Rogers, Corky Owens, Gene Simmons, Jack Patillo, Jack Matthews, Glen Privitt, Travis Partain, Ken Williams, Boo Miller, Charlie Moore, Ronnie Neighbors, Ken Page, Rudy Osborne, Derrell Stephens, Bobby Cooper, Michael Douchette,Jim Evans, Ron Stafford and a lot more steel players that I can't remember have all been part of our regular country show in the past.

It's been a blast and thanks to everyone that has helped us in the past.
_________________
Henry Matthews

D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes.

Bobby Boggs · From: Upstate SC.

Paul King · From: Gainesville, Texas, USA

I hate to read this Henry. I know you and I am certain you have lost sleep and wrestled with this decision. I hope something else good comes your way. You are too good a musician and steel player to sit idle. Thanks for the two times you invited me to play on a mini steel show as well. Best wishes my friend.

J R Rose · From: Keota, Oklahoma, USA

Henry, I know that this hurts you more than words can say. I am really sorry that this time had to come but as they say all good things must come to an end. I have never been able to make it to your show but will for sure be their for your Grand Finale. May God Bless You and keep your Spirits High during this difficult time. Your Friend, J.R. Rose
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NOTHING..Sold it all. J.R. Rose

Robbie Primm · From: Shreveport,La.

Thanks Henry for allowing me to be apart of your Opry lots of good times came from that stage!!![/b]

Henry Matthews · From: Texarkana, Ark USA

That's for sure Robbie, good times and great music too.
_________________
Henry Matthews

D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes.

Bill L. Wilson · From: Oklahoma, USA

When The Oklahoma Opry shut down in June of '09, I was bummed, but the crowds just weren't coming out and the owner shut her down. We still have an off shoot of that show called The Rodeo Opry here in OKC, but the players are so good, I don't get to play there. However, I do play in a decent bar band and stay busy most weekends, but I still miss the Opry shows, so I know how you feel. Keep on Pickin'.

autry andress · From: Plano, Tx.

Hello Henry
Sorry to hear about the Oaklawn Opry closing.
But have you considered turning it into a Country
Church....Country Gospel/Southern Gospel?
Or is there a cowboy church in the area?
Hope to hear you play @ TSGA next month.
Good luck
Autry

Norman Watson · From: Broken Arrow,Ok.

Henry, I'm sorry, your closing the show. Although I was never able to attend a performance there, I knew it by reputation and having heard you play, I know the rest of the band was outstanding. It is sad that show's like yours are fading with the fans.
I look forward to seeing you again in Dallas and hearing you play that sweet steel and great fiddle.

Al Miller · From: Waxahachie Texas

Henry, Me and Lisa Layne are So very thankful to have graced your stage on many occasions through the years. WE are saddened at your decision to close but understand completely. The band and staff were always so kind and welcoming to us both and the best of the best. We will miss ya'll. If you ever do another Show and would like us to participate please call on us. your much to good of a player to set Idle you need to buy that new Mullen G2 and get back to work Somewhere..!!!
Love ya
Boo Miller
Lisa Layne
_________________
AL (BOO) Miller
Mullen D10
76 Emmons P/P
2022 65 Emmons Resound P/P D10

Henry Matthews · From: Texarkana, Ark USA

Well, today is the day. We have about 25 singers on show and a sold out crowd. Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Thanks Boo and Lisa for being a part of our show, always really enjoyed yall. Thanks to everyone else. Just hope everything goes smooth tonight.lol
_________________
Henry Matthews

D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes.

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