This little tidbit from 35 years ago today can be found at Bob Dearborn's The Olde Disc Jockey's Almanac...
March 10, 1979…At the invitation of his good friend Porter Wagoner, R&B legend James Brown appeared at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville's Ryman Auditorium performing traditional renditions of "Tennessee Waltz" and "Your Cheatin' Heart," as well as his 1960s hit "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag." Reaction among longtime Opry members was split. Some, like Jean Shepard, disapproved of Brown's set, while Barbra Mandrell applauded the unusual guest appearance.
I couldn't find a video of that performance, but after watching this one, I picture most Grand Ole Opry fans having a heart attack...
