Nashville's famous country stage, previously known as the 'WSM barn dance,' dates back to 1925. Two years after the live radio kicked off, George D. Hay, the nation's most famous announcer, called it the 'Grand Ole Opry,' and there has been no looking back ever since. Changing six homes in 90 years, Opry owes its origins to the National Life building. The Hillsboro Theatre became its abode in 1934, followed by the religious revival house of Dixie Tabernacle two years later. The Grand Ole Opry also found itself at a War memorial auditorium before eventually returning to the historic Ryman Auditorium for the next 31 years. Today, the longest-running radio show in the world has a dwelling of its own called 'The Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland.'
The Ryman stage was too musically momentous to be unceremoniously forgotten like this. It had to be preserved. For thirty-one years, a new era of country music had hands down taken Tennessee and the rest of America, by storm. Earl Scruggs, in 1945 made his debut with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, fostering a classical branch of country music- the bluegrass sound. Hank Williams, the young fellow who bloomed into a 'Tragic Country Star,' performed 'Lovesick Blues' at the same stage, the summer of 1949. He set a house record for being called back for six encores. For the beautiful singles, it set, and the musical era it had given birth to, a circle of oak of almost six-feet was cut from the stage at Ryman's to be blended into the new stage at Opry's. Richard Nixon, the President at the time, was part of the show's new dawn.
The Grand Ole Opry is quintessentially the musical talk of the town. Alongside being a live show hosting 4400 people, the Opry is a renowned broadcasting studio. The show continues to broadcast at 0630 pm on WSM. Genres are not just confined to contemporary country, but bluegrass, comedy, gospel, contributions by Country Hall of Music by Farmers, cast members, and young artists entertain a diverse audience every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night. Membership in the close-knit community of Opry performers dies with the member and not any other way.
'The mother Church of Country music' attracts country enthusiasts from around the globe. Its musical rendition is single-handedly an unbeatable experience. History and music (cherry on top- country music) when blend in together, they often beget miracles like the Grand Ole Opry!
The Ryman stage was too musically momentous to be unceremoniously forgotten like this. It had to be preserved. For thirty-one years, a new era of country music had hands down taken Tennessee and the rest of America, by storm. Earl Scruggs, in 1945 made his debut with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, fostering a classical branch of country music- the bluegrass sound. Hank Williams, the young fellow who bloomed into a 'Tragic Country Star,' performed 'Lovesick Blues' at the same stage, the summer of 1949. He set a house record for being called back for six encores. For the beautiful singles, it set, and the musical era it had given birth to, a circle of oak of almost six-feet was cut from the stage at Ryman's to be blended into the new stage at Opry's. Richard Nixon, the President at the time, was part of the show's new dawn.
The Grand Ole Opry is quintessentially the musical talk of the town. Alongside being a live show hosting 4400 people, the Opry is a renowned broadcasting studio. The show continues to broadcast at 0630 pm on WSM. Genres are not just confined to contemporary country, but bluegrass, comedy, gospel, contributions by Country Hall of Music by Farmers, cast members, and young artists entertain a diverse audience every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night. Membership in the close-knit community of Opry performers dies with the member and not any other way.
'The mother Church of Country music' attracts country enthusiasts from around the globe. Its musical rendition is single-handedly an unbeatable experience. History and music (cherry on top- country music) when blend in together, they often beget miracles like the Grand Ole Opry!