MUSIC

Porter Wagoner celebrates his 50th anniversary as an entertainer in 1997 in photos

Ricky Rogers
Nashville Tennessean
Porter Wagoner is in the spotlight at the start of the taping for "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" by The Nashville Network at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Porter Wagoner is in the spotlight at the start of the taping for "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" by The Nashville Network at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Porter Wagoner is in the spotlight at the start of the taping for "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" by The Nashville Network at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Porter Wagoner is in the spotlight at the start of the taping for "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" by The Nashville Network at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Porter Wagoner is in the spotlight at the start of the taping for "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" by The Nashville Network at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Porter Wagoner is in the spotlight at the start of the taping for "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" by The Nashville Network at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Little Jimmy Dickson, left, appears and ask Porter Wagoner to take a seat and enjoying the following performances in the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" by The Nashville Network at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Little Jimmy Dickson, left, appears and ask Porter Wagoner to take a seat and enjoying the following performances in the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" by The Nashville Network at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Banjo master Mike Snider performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Banjo master Mike Snider performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
The Grand Ladies of the Opry members Jan Howard, left, Jean Shepard, Skeeter Davis and Jeanne Pruett, along with Wilma Lee Cooper and Jeannie Seely, perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
The Grand Ladies of the Opry members Jan Howard, left, Jean Shepard, Skeeter Davis and Jeanne Pruett, along with Wilma Lee Cooper and Jeannie Seely, perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
With Wilma Lee Cooper, left, and Jean Shepard, right, looking on, Jan Howard sings as the Grand Ladies of the Opry perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
With Wilma Lee Cooper, left, and Jean Shepard, right, looking on, Jan Howard sings as the Grand Ladies of the Opry perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Jeannie Seely, left, and Wilma Lee Cooper sings as the Grand Ladies of the Opry perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Jeannie Seely, left, and Wilma Lee Cooper sings as the Grand Ladies of the Opry perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Skeeter Davis is enjoying performing with the Grand Ladies of the Opry perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Skeeter Davis is enjoying performing with the Grand Ladies of the Opry perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Jan Howard, left, and Jean Shepard sing as the Grand Ladies of the Opry performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Jan Howard, left, and Jean Shepard sing as the Grand Ladies of the Opry performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Jean Shepard, left, Skeeter Davis and Jeanne Pruett sing as the Grand Ladies of the Opry perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Jean Shepard, left, Skeeter Davis and Jeanne Pruett sing as the Grand Ladies of the Opry perform during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
The Grand Ladies of the Opry members Jan Howard, left, Jean Shepard, Skeeter Davis and Jeanne Pruett, along with Wilma Lee Cooper and Jannie Seely, point to Porter Wagoner as he sits in the audience during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
The Grand Ladies of the Opry members Jan Howard, left, Jean Shepard, Skeeter Davis and Jeanne Pruett, along with Wilma Lee Cooper and Jannie Seely, point to Porter Wagoner as he sits in the audience during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Guitar master Steve Wariner performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Guitar master Steve Wariner performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Guitar master Steve Wariner performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Guitar master Steve Wariner performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Guitar master Steve Wariner performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Guitar master Steve Wariner performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Joe Diffie performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Joe Diffie performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Connie Smith performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Connie Smith performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Connie Smith performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Connie Smith performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Connie Smith performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Connie Smith performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Billy Ray Cyrus performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Billy Ray Cyrus performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Vince Gill performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Vince Gill performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Vince Gill performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Vince Gill performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Dolly Parton, former duet partner with Porter Wagoner, performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Dolly Parton, former duet partner with Porter Wagoner, performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Dolly Parton, former duet partner with Porter Wagoner, performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Dolly Parton, former duet partner with Porter Wagoner, performs during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Porter Wagoner, left, joins his former duet partner Dolly Parton, as they sing together during the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean
Porter Wagoner, center, shares a moment with Vince Gill, left, and former duet partner Dolly Parton, during the end of the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Porter Wagoner, center, shares a moment with Vince Gill, left, and former duet partner Dolly Parton, during the end of the taping of "Company's Comin': A Salute To Porter Wagoner" at the Grand Ole Opry House April 15, 1997. Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as an entertainer.
Delores Delvin / The Tennessean