7 Things I didn't know about The Grand Ole Opry

Did you kow you can take a backstage tour of the Opry?

Author

Brian Lee Nash, Esq.
April 07, 2023

The Ryman Auditorium

The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music radio show and concert that has been broadcast from Nashville, Tennessee since 1925.

The show was originally called "The WSM Barn Dance" and was created by WSM radio station manager George D. Hay as a way to showcase traditional country music and promote the station's new 50,000-watt transmitter.

The first broadcast of "The WSM Barn Dance" took place on November 28, 1925, and featured a mix of live performances and recorded music. The show quickly became popular, and in 1927, it was renamed "The Grand Ole Opry," a name that has since become synonymous with country music.

Over the years, many of the biggest names in country music have performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage, including Roy Acuff, Hank Williams Sr., Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and many others.

The show has also featured comedians, novelty acts, and other performers, and has become known for its mix of traditional and contemporary country music.

In addition to its weekly broadcasts, the Grand Ole Opry has also hosted numerous live concerts and special events over the years, including the annual CMA Music Festival.

The Opry's iconic home, the Ryman Auditorium, served as the show's primary venue from 1943 to 1974, and today, the show is broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry House, a purpose-built venue located just outside of Nashville.

On March 15, 1974, the Opry made its last broadcast from Ryman before moving to its new custom-built home, The Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland. In 2004, the Opry House surpassed the Ryman as the Opry’s most enduring home

Source: Ryman.com

Today, the Grand Ole Opry remains one of the most important and influential institutions in country music, and its legacy continues to inspire and shape the genre.

It’s always a good time, I am going to tour it soon. Who wants to join me?