Rocky Gribble

After college, Gribble made his living as a musician, backup singer and record producer in Oklahoma City. It was the Opry that brought Gribble to Grapevine.

He arrived after a 1986 fire destroyed the stage and some of the seating at the Palace Theater, the Opry's home. Rep. Marchant purchased the theater, remodeled it and sold it to an area businessman. Ron Marchant coaxed Gribble to move to Grapevine and serve as bandleader.

But then the new owner of the theater filed for bankruptcy, and there were rumors at the time that it might become a video arcade.

"For such a historical building that was opened in 1940, that would have been a real sad thing," Gribble said.

He and Grapevine businesswoman Beverly Bartley formed Yellow Rose Productions as a way to protect the theater. The city was willing to acquire the property if the building had an occupant.

"We signed our names saying that we would consent to be here every week as an anchor tenant to ensure the property stayed viable," Gribble said.

The city bought the Palace Theater in 1991.

Today, Gribble lives in Grapevine and plays gigs elsewhere, but always comes back home to lead the house band.

"It's my business, so I need to be the one directing it."

Gribble also praises the nonprofit Grapevine Opry Association.

"They'll be our ushers and ticket-takers, even our spotlight operator," he said.

He has no plans to retire, but doesn't know how long he'll keep it up.

"My wife says that I'll have to quit when people have to come get me and put me on the stage."

Grapevine Opry

The Grapevine Opry, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine, 817-481-8733, www.grapevinetexasusa.com/GrapevineOpry

Career highlights

Rocky Gribble stopped counting when he figured he had worked on 150 albums and commercials.

He toured with LeAnn Rimes, The Judds and Ronnie Milsap, among others.

He recently began playing the mandolin.

Catch a performance

Shows are every Saturday and begin at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted on the website.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Ticket prices vary for special shows.