08/08/2025
Honoring a Legend
Hank Williams couldn’t have imagined what his singing “Love Sick Blues” over the radio meant to fourteen-year-old Rodney Joyner. The music triggered an emotion that only musicians truly understand.
Rodney had been raised on a farm where family and neighbors gathered after long days in the fields to play their guitars, mandolins, and fiddles on front porches. It was no surprise that the music foundation had been planted for Rodney to buy his first guitar when he was fifteen. His daddy taught him some basic cords, and from there Rodney was self-taught.
Even though Rodney never lost his love for music, providing for his wife, Barbara, and two sons, Steven and Richard, were always his priority. The head of his household not only earned a degree at State in mechanical engineering, he decided to become a pharmacist and earned that degree at Ole Miss.
He retired from the University hospital in 1996, which finally gave the Joiner couple time to travel in their motor home. Trips through Maggie Valley sparked the beginning of a musical outlet for Rodney when they saw how many family bands offered entertainment for tourists. The vision of Barnyard Opry was in the “infant” stage.
By now, the Joyner boys were adults and musicians like their dad. Steven and Joey Orr, another music-lover, began looking for a place to play their music. That’s when Rodney saw the possibility of converting their barn into a mini theater. It also meant Rodney could retire from his cattle business that was requiring more work than he wanted.
On the first Saturday in August of 2009, the Barnyard Opry was opened to the public with its 250-seat capacity. The musical show would feature local as well as outside guests who soon heard about the Opry. The admission was free, but during intermission the “hat” was passed among the guests. Rodney divided the money with the musicians, leaving enough to pay the light bill and insurance.
As the word spread and the crowds grew, Rodney was able to reinvest some of the “hat” money in equipment that gave true studio quality sound. Barbara worked the concession stand and supported her husband with her time and energy for the ten years that the Opry shared their music. Interested businesses saw the Opry crowds as potential customers and bought advertising signs that were on display in the building.
Bobby Ray, instrumentalist at The Barnyard Opry, says, “Simply put … Rodney Joyner is personally responsible for much of the country music that has been played and enjoyed in Central Mississippi for the past 25 years! Beginning in 1999, and continuing through mid-2009, the Barnyard Opry provided a great venue for fans and musicians alike to gather, and for country music to be performed and enjoyed. Shortly after “The Barn” closed in mid-2009, the Brandon Opry opened, and the music continued there through 2017, at which time the Ranch House Opry became our music and good times venue through mid-2021. But it all began with Rodney out in “The Barn”! A very special thanks to Rodney for his inspiration and leadership!”
Rodney Joyner’s 91 years may have tapped into his energy, but not his mental capacity. He still recalls details from his long life and like most is astounded at how time has flown. He said, “The years pile up on you!”
A special tribute is being planned for Rodney and his Opry on September 4th at the Vault in Brandon. Original musicians and guest artists will join the tribute and the guest of honor will have front row seating. When pondering his long life, hard work ethic and retirement years, Rodney said, “Some people lose their identity when they retire. I found mine through the Opry.”
The Barnyard Opry Reunion
September 4th | Doors open at 5:30PM
The Vault Venue
202 N College St.
Brandon, MS
Tickets $10
For purchase at the Hometown Magazines office in downtown Brandon, online through the link below, or at the door.
https://www.simpletix.com/e/the-barnyard-opry-reunion-tickets-228709
