I was lucky enough to stumble upon a 1976 Grand Ole Opry picture book to commemorate their 50th anniversary. As soon as I opened it, I knew this book must be mine - no price was too high. There in full color were page after page of some of the most hideous 70's fashions I've ever seen.
Before you get irritated with me for once again poking fun at 70's fashions, remember that (1) I love the 1970's and (2) I love 70's country music. This is done with tongue planted firmly in cheek - pictures of me and my family during this time period were equally hideous.
So, check a few of the highlights from this glorious tome of fashion crimes. If you want to see all the photos from the book and full sized (and without my commentary or attempts at humor), just jump to my Flickr music set.
Marty Robbins was one of the most prolific songwriters of all time. One of his biggest hits was "El Paso". It strikes me as odd to see him dressed like Rollo from Sanford & Son.
Lonzo & Oscar scored a mid seventies hit with "Did You Have to Bring That Up While I Was Eating"; and they apparently rode that wave of fame all the way to their own "ranch house" right next to KFC!
Here's Barbara Mandrell. I actually liked her variety show with her sisters.... and those freakish Krofft puppets.
The Stoney Mountain Cloggers. I like that their overalls are monogrammed. Candy is a fox, and Kal looks like a hillbilly version of Chris Klein. Check out the Stoney Mountain Cougar on the left.
Okay, the fashion isn't too bad here. However, I could do without the bedazzled sweater. If ever there was a woman who didn't need to "bling" her bosom, it's Dolly.
I'm no fashion designer, but I think Ernie Ashworth's black shoes don't go with his mustard & ketchup colored suit. But then again, what would go with this suit - big red and yellow Ronald McDonald clown boots? I like the red sequin lips, nice touch.
The kitchen tablecloth fashion was big in the 1970's. I'm especially fond of the Mr. Furley ascots on the men.
For some reason, this one really captures the essence of 70's style for me. Maybe it's because this could easily be a picture from my own photo album. The carpet, the big white belt, the collars, the flaired pants, the hair.... Gilligan like.
