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Donna Fargo, Willie Ames, Grand Ole Opry

Could you tell me whatever happened to singer Donna Fargo?
—Linda Q., New York

Donna Fargo, best known for the 1970s hits Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A. and Funny Face, says she’s concentrating on her writing career these days. She has published two inspirational collections of prose and poetry, Trust in Yourself and To the Love of My Life. Blue Mountain Arts, her Colorado-based publisher, also carries her greeting cards. “It’s hard to plan for shows and rehearse when I’m writing,” says Fargo, 63, although she may book some dates for later this year. Besides her chart-topping singles, Fargo starred in a syndicated television variety show in 1978-79. Her musical awards include a 1972 Grammy Award for the Best Country Vocal Performance by a woman. She is writing a third book and working on some songs. “I enjoy writing so much, I just kind of write what my heart tells me,” she says. Fargo, who is married, lives in Nashville, Tenn.

What is actor Willie Aames doing now?
—Ginny S., Virginia

Aames, 42, has traded places and is now working behind the camera, most recently as the creator of The Missy Files, a “feel-good dramedy” video series for young girls. “Missy Shannon is part Cyndi Lauper, part Anne of Green Gables,” says Aames, who is best known for his starring roles on Eight Is Enough, Charles in Charge and the Bibleman Adventure. “She is the heroine that today’s girl can appreciate.” Aames got the idea for Missy after attending several Christian artists’ concerts. “Missy was born from a desire to create a show that profiled a “modern Christian” girl: one who may seem far from conservative on the outside but was spiritually solid on the inside. It eventually began to take on several personality traits, ones I hoped would make the character more intelligent.” The videos feature his wife, Maylo McCaslin-Aames, and daughter, Harleigh Jean Upton. “They understood every aspect of the production and I fell more in love with both of them,” he says. “Working together as a family was probably my most rewarding work.” Aames, who also has a son from a previous marriage, lives in Kansas City, Kan. “Home is a biggie for me. I love to woodwork, making furniture and patio structures for our home. Hunting and fishing are also big on my list.”

I would like to know what happened to the Grand Ole Opry that was on CMT every Saturday night.
—Elva U., Nebraska

In November, the Grand Ole Opry moved to the Great American Country (GAC) network. The Opry and CMT came to the end of its contract, and CMT did not want to continue broadcasting the show on a weekly basis. “The reason for the move was because we were given the opportunity to continue the Grand Ole Opry as a weekly series,” says Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry vice president and general manager. “If you do not receive GAC, call your local cable or satellite provider and let them know you want to see your Grand Ole Opry. Ask them to add the network to their system.” The Opry can be heard in several other ways as well. “You can listen to the Opry on www.opry.com,” Fisher says. “It is also carried on Sirius satellite radio on a channel called WSM Entertainment. Also, over 210 stations carry a syndicated radio program called America’s Grand Ole Opry Weekend. There are more ways than ever to listen or see the Grand Ole Opry.” Since November, the Opry has been held at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., while the Grand Ole Opry House is undergoing renovations that include a new sound and lights system. The Opry moves back to its permanent home next month.

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