Quick Links
It's not just for music fans! The Opry is a place of reverence, history, and legend. It's where revelers went to see Patsy Cline and Mickey Newbury sing their hearts out on that big stage. It's where couples heard their favorite band play before they got their record contract. But the Grand Ole Opry also has a deep significance for people who love American culture and history.
History Of The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic music show in the US. Its weekly concerts on Saturday nights have been broadcast by a number of networks since 1925, including ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
The Grand Ole Opry was started as a "barn dance," which was held on Saturday afternoons in a barn near Carter Family's farm. It moved from the original location (the barn) to the Ryman Auditorium in 1943. The show also expanded from being broadcast once a week to being aired twice every weekend by 1948. It was renamed by 1950 and became synonymous with country music. The Opry was later available nationwide through syndication. The show became so popular at the Ryman Auditorium that in 1944, it moved to the much larger Grand Ole Opry House.
The radio show was syndicated throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia by 1925. In the late 1930s, it had achieved a status that was almost at par with Major League Baseball in America. Country music stars often did live performances on this show, and sometimes they would have a one-week residency on stage at the Ryman.
Interesting Facts About The Grand Ole Opry
Performers at the time the Grand Ole Opry started were a mixture of everyday people that would come to town for one night each week, like farmers and railroad workers. The Grand Ole Opry also has a long list of artists who made a name for themselves on the stage. Some of them were people like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams Sr., Minnie Pearl, and Roy Acuff.
The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most important shows in the country, thanks to its long history and roster of artists. It has been featured in many films, including “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Sling Blade,” and “Country Strong.” The stage for the show is located at the back of the auditorium, where it's usually surrounded by a bandstand and a revolving platform to accommodate several acts.
Originally, the show was called WSM Barn Dance after its radio station home. It wasn't until 1927 that it would come to be the Grand Ole Opry. By the 1940s, the show had transitioned into a new television station called WSM-TV, which was broadcasted on channel four in Nashville.
The show is one of the most famous social events in the United States. There are over 500,000 people who come to see the Grand Ole Opry each year. The place still holds its traditional closing show every Sunday night in December.
Other Amenities Besides The Music Stage
It is not surprising that some don’t know about the other amenities at the Grand Ole Opry besides the music stage. Here are notable ones worth exploring.
Visitor Center
Visitors Center hosts three separate displays, which feature information personally written by Opry members. The center has an Opry family tree that provides a timeline of the Grand Ole Opry and who was involved in the development of the organization. It also sets out the genealogical information for each member/family on either side of the Opry during its first 38 years. The third display is a timeline charting the growth of the Opry and the contributions of each member.
The Grand Ole Opry Restaurant
The Grand Ole Opry Restaurant is located across from the Visitors Center. It is open to guests who are not members. The restaurant features breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a banquet room that seats over 100 people. There are several seating areas inside, including a dining room and the recessed back porch where visitors can enjoy their favorite beverage while listening to some great music.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop has merchandise to purchase for family, friends, or oneself. Travelers can buy unique souvenirs to remind them of the good times in NYC. They can also enjoy their favorite drinks while relaxing at one of the tables or resting on the benches by the water fountain. The gift shop has a section that sells collectible Opry memorabilia. It's a great place to purchase that special gift for someone who loves country music. Merchandise ranges in price from $3 to $10 and is available in all-new, original, and reproduction designs.
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, is a must-visit for music lovers. It's the longest-running live radio show on the planet. It's an institution where some of the biggest names in country music have performed and honed their crafts. And, of course, it's home to a trove of history, stories, and lessons passed on from generation to generation.