In 1970 Jimmy Smith came home from Nashville after seeing the Grand Ole Opry with an idea for an abandoned Mathews movie theater — create Virginia’s Li’l Ole Opry.
began in 1975.
The first show of local musical talent in summer 1975 revived Donk’s Theater. On Saturday nights the 30-year-old theater came alive with music and jokes told by Jimmy Smith founder and emcee whose stage name was “Uncle Jimmy Wickham.”
And there was a talent search! Your ticket was a pass to perform your song on stage backed by the house band “Shades of Country.” For some contestants it was an audition and they were “called back” to be part of the Li’l Ole Opry stage.
The first 40 years
Donk’s Theater, a showplace in its day, collapsed in an ice storm in 2016. The Opry now performs once a month at the “Harry M. Ward Auditorium” at Mathews High School. The next show is set for Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Learn more at www.donkstheater.com.
The Opry remains a place where citizens and visitors enjoy good, local entertainment in a family setting, said Lynda Smith, Uncle Jimmy’s daughter, who took over as emcee when he passed away in 2019. “We are forever grateful for his love of music, which inspired 50 years of wholesome family entertainment,” she said. “We feel sure heaven is in stitches from his corny jokes and stories and he is singing with the angels on God’s stage!”
Dolly Parton
Donk’s Theater was a unique venue, with fresh hot popcorn, a well stocked candy counter, a new sound system, and “down front” seats were $5 — $1 more than regular seating.
Thousands of singers and musicians, some famous, performed on the Donk’s Theater stage in its 40 years.
“I guess Dolly Parton was the most famous person to ever perform there,” said Lynda Smith. “Daddy got to hug her and always said it was two of the biggest things that ever happened to him!”
The greats
The Li’l Ole Opry welcomed other country music greats like Porter Wagoner, Joe Diffie, Ernest Tubb, Lorrie Morgan, Kitty Wells, Linda Davis, Mickey Gilley, Doug Stone, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Bill Anderson to name a few. “I could go on and on,” said Lynda Smith. “But here’s the thing; whether you were a Nashville artist with number one hits or a local weekend-warrior musician still going to your day job, that stage and the audiences offered you the same thing, a place and an opportunity to shine.” And, memories are made.
Why?
Lynda Smith said she’s been asked recently what kept the Opry going for 50 years. “Honestly, there isn’t an easy answer to that question,” she said. “My daddy loved music. He loved his family and God. He loved to have fun and was as goofy as he was talented. He loved to sing and dance. And that man drew people to him like flies to butter! He welcomed people into his life with a big hug and took the time to know them and appreciate them. That’s how I think of the Opry, he created a place just like him. And that’s why I believe it has lasted this long.”
Family and friends
Uncle Jimmy lit the fire 50-plus years ago that inspired others to keep it burning. Some Smith family members “who worked their fingers to the bone making this place our legacy” include Lynda Smith’s aunt Harriet Ann Farmer, cousins Joanna Mullins and Betsy Ripley, and her mom, Carolyn Smith. “They were the heart and soul as well.”
There are numerous of others who helped. “Everyone who helped has their own story and memories, and their own answer to the question of how it has lasted 50 years.”
Amazing
“If you build it they will come” is true for the Opry. Those folks in the Opry audience deserve a great deal of credit for its success, said Lynda Smith. “It still amazes me sometimes that they come . . . and keep coming. They truly are a part of our family now and we don’t take that lightly.”
“Love it”
Theresa Anderson of Locust Hill in Middlesex County made the 20-mile trip for a recent 50th anniversary show. “We bring people here for the first time and they are amazed by the talent. They are hooked instantly and want more. I’ve never brought anyone here that didn’t love it.”
Hunter Owens, a Mathews High School junior, is one of the rising talents to perform with the Opry, playing guitar and singing “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver. “Music can take you to another place,” he said. “I’m glad I can do it for the audience.”
Owens, his twin brother Hayden, and Tristan Barnes are the trio “Three Creeks Down” playing folk, country, soft rock and jazz.
“The Mullins Sisters,” Deanna, Betty, and MaryLou, have been professional musicians and singers most of their lives, performing in many venues with several bands on the East Coast, including the Opry. They sum up their passion for performing like this, “It’s not what we do… it’s who we are.”
At a recent Opry show they woke up the audience after intermission with the classic “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” made famous by the Andrew Sisters.
Founder
Betsy Ripley, the last living founder of the Opry, still performs songs like “The Tennessee Waltz” and others from the days of her youth. “I’ve grown old in the spotlight,” she said in a back stage dressing room. “My children grew up on the stage.”
Tracy Hill of Yorktown has been a regular at the Opry for 26 years. She got her start at a Opry’s talent search. The Opry staff called her back to sing songs by Martina McBride, Wynonna Judd and others.
If the past is an indication of the Virginia’s Li’l Ole Opry’s longevity, many would agree — it’s here to stay.
