This is our first feature on what the experts say is the fastest growing genre of music in the United States. It used to be called Country and Western but in the modern day vernacular the “and Western” tag has been dropped for just plain ole’ Country. You ever notice that no matter where you are in this nation you will come across a Country radio station while even traveling down the most desolate highway? Like most middle-aged and older folks I grew up watching  the very popular variety show Hee Haw (1969 – 1997) on Saturday nights featuring the late Sarah Colley b.k.a. Minnie Pearl (1912 – 1996) and Roy Linwood Clark II. I also remember the meteoric rise of Charley Pride who is the first African-American Country and Western artist to receive constant air play on radio stations around the United States.

My first store-bought Country album/cassette was that of David Allen Coe ”Tattoo” (1977); considered today by some an outlaw Country artist who was recently in a car crash in Ocala, Fl. Actually, the cassette was a gift from my then girlfriend who honestly thought that he was a Jazz artist. Man I played that tape over and over again until someone decided to lift it from my music collection.  One of my favorite Commodores singles is Sail On (Midnight Magic, 1979, track 8) featuring Lionel Richie (Formerly of the Commodores) who, of late, has delved deeper into his country roots by releasing his chart-toping Country duets album entitled Tuskegee in 2012. I occasionally allow my country roots – developed in the city of Miami – to take control of my musical side by writing lyrics such as “I was born on a farm in the country on a ranch…..” I am still working on the chorus. Smile. My favorite Country artists are the late great Virginia Patterson Hensley b.k.a. Patsy Cline (1932 – 1963) singing Willie Nelson’s ”Crazy” (1962) and Ms. Dolly Parton singing Lee Ann Womack’s ”I Hope You Dance” (First recorded in 2000). Ms. Parton smiles all the way to the bank each time the late Whitney Houston’s (1963 – 2012) hit I Will Always Love You (1992) gets air play. Right about now, I think it would be a great idea if I allow an expert to tell you why you should stop by the Carolina Opry during your next trip/visit to or near Myrtle Beach, SC. 

Jay – Where were you born?
Calvin -- Lebanon, MO.

Jay – What is your educational background?
Calvin -- Southwest Baptist College.

Jay – Are you married?
Calvin -- Yes

Jay – Do you have any children? If yes, how many, what gender, what age(s)
Calvin -- Two; Jeff, my son, is 35 and Jordan, my daughter is 31.

Jay -- What are your experiences concerning the entertainment theatre?
Calvin -- I started singing when I was very young; played in clubs and anywhere I could get a job until I went to Nashville. I was encouraged to write and record and was in the process of getting my recording career funded - got sidetracked and spent a few years in the real estate industry. Then eventually, I realized I wasn't pursuing my long-time dream. By that time, I was married with two children and didn't want to live on the road, so I started looking for a place to locate my variety show theater. After searching several markets, we decided that Myrtle Beach was the best place for us to pursue the idea. And the rest is history. Other experiences: Recording artists; appeared regularly on the Grand Ole Opry; won every major state award for our theaters.


Jay -- What are your duties and responsibilities at The Carolina Opry?
Calvin -- I am the owner, producer, director, singer, and musician.

Jay – What is your favorite part of your job?
Calvin -- Singing and directing the show.


Jay – What are your other favorite genres of music?
Calvin -- I'm country, primarily, but I also like gospel, pop, bluegrass, Texas swing.


Jay -- What artists do you have on your iPod right now?
Calvin -- I have thousands. There are so many because I listen to so much music and so many genres for the show. But my favorites are Haggard, Sinatra, and James Taylor.

Jay – Who are some of your favorite Country artist?
Calvin -- Haggard, George Jones, Glen Campbell.


Jay – Who is the most famous Country artist you have personally met to date, and where?
Calvin -- I once met Roy Rogers & Dale Evans at his museum in Victorville, CA. We were meeting to talk about building a theater there at his museum in Victorville while we were partners with The Family Channel.


Jay – Has the return of Tangena Church in January of this year been as successful as you anticipated?
Calvin -- It's nice to have Tangena back. She fits in very well with others who are just as talented and qualified.

Jay – Do you still use the original Surfside Beach location opened in1986?
Calvin – No.


Jay – In 1987 you were named the most outstanding attraction in South Carolina by the Governor, how has time affected that accolade?
Calvin -- We've just gotten bigger and better!


Jay -- Do you have plans to expand the 2,200 seat capacity of The Carolina Opry theater?
Calvin – No.


Jay -- Does the Family Channel Television Network still own 80% of Calvin Gilmore Productions sold in 1993?
Calvin -- No. I bought it all back in 1997.

Jay -- Does your Spotlight Magazine still include 13 theaters in Branson, MO?
Calvin – No.


Jay – Did Calvin Gilmore Entertainment play a role in the now famous "Leave the light on" Motel 6 TV commercials featuring Tom Bodett?
Calvin -- No. But Tom is a friend and did us a great favor by recording the commercials for us.

Jay -- Is there any connection between the Carolina Opry and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN?
Calvin -- Just that I have performed there regularly in the past; that's our only connection.

Jay -- Out of your four shows: The Carolina Opry, The Good Vibrations Show, The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, and Light, See the Music; which one draws the most visitors per year?
Calvin -- The Carolina Opry, but Good Vibrations is giving it a run for its money.

Jay -- Do you still dabble in Real Estate? If yes, to what extent?
Calvin -- Yes. It's one of my hobbies.

Jay -- Do you offer package deals to motor coach groups that include hotel, food, other entertainment venues, etc...?
Calvin – Yes.

Jay -- Do you have any special plans for your upcoming 30th anniversary in 2016. If yes, what?
Calvin -- We are working on it.

Jay -- What should the average person expect at the very least of a trip to your theater venue?
Calvin -- To have their expectations exceeded.

Jay -- What are your final thoughts concerning your venue?
Calvin -- Just that I'm the luckiest man in the world to have my own state of the art theater and not have to live on the road. Only a handful of entertainers have that opportunity and privilege.

Note: All photos furnished by Calvin Gilmore Entertainment

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