An Introduction to the Grand Ole Opry

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

 History

Started just five years after commercial radio began in the United States, the Grand Ole Opry that we know today was originally the WSM Barn Dance. WSM, the acronym for "We Shield Millions," was started by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company as a means of advertising insurance policies. The station hired popular Chicago radio newscaster George Hay, who promptly named himself the "Solemn Old Judge." Though neither a judge nor old (he was 30 at the time), Hay launched the show that in 1927 was re-named the Grand Ole Opry. Immensely popular from the outset, the show began to host live audiences shortly after its beginning, and was forced to find bigger accommodations. After several homes, the Opry finally settled in Ryman Auditorium, where it stayed for nearly 31 years, until moving to its current home, the Grand Ole Opry House, which seats 4,424 people. Until 1938, the show mainly emphasized instrumental music, but all that changed when Roy Acuff joined the cast. His performance of "The Great Speckled Bird" on his first night changed the show forever, and played an influential role in making the show what it is today. Since then, a variety of legends have taken the stage. The show began touring in the 1940s, a tradition that has continued. In fact, the Opry performed at Carnegie Hall as part of its 80th anniversary festivities. 1978 was a big year for the Nashville, TN Grand Ole Opry, as PBS broadcast the show on television. After several television changes, Grand Ole Opry Live finally expanded into a full hour, and can now be seen weekly on Great American Country (GAC).

Performers and Membership

Performers taking the stage can, literally, stand in the same spot as the legends that preceded them: a six-foot, solid-oak circle cut from Ryman Auditorium placed in the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House gives both newcomers and veterans a tangible piece of history on which to stand. The Opry has hosted such artists as Hank Williams, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Charley Pride, Minnie Pearl, Eddy Arnold, Alan Jackson, Terri Clark, Steve Wariner, and Vince Gill, just to name a few (a very few). The Opry staff selects all performers and now boasts some of country music's biggest names and stars. Becoming an actual member of the Grand Ole Opry is an elite honor, and there is no particular formula for receiving such a prestigious invitation. The Grand Ole Opry wants both musical and generational balance, and doesn't simply hand out invitations to the artists with the most, or the biggest, hits. It takes commitment, a solid career, a strong relationship with fans, and perhaps most importantly, a relationship between the artist and the Opry ideal. It is therefore understandable that even those artists who make several appearances on the show are not necessarily candidates for Grand Ole Opry Membership.

Show Format and Schedule

The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville hosts shows every Friday and Saturday throughout the year, including holidays. There is one, two-hour Friday night show, and two Saturday night shows that each run for 2½ hours. Tuesday night performances at the Opry are also available (except during winter months) and fans can enjoy a two-hour show. The fluid and successful format of the show has been relatively unchanged since its inception, and consists of half-hour blocks. Between sets announcers still read live radio ads. And because most performers sing just 2-3 songs, even if you don't like what's on, just sit tight, because something new is just around the corner! The lineup of each Opry show is not completed until just a few days before the show, therefore, weekly schedules are not released far in advance. So even if you're not certain as to what performances to expect, be certain that every Grand Ole Opry show is packed with entertainment! For a current line-up of performers, visit VME's Grand Ole Opry Blog.

Visitors to Nashville, TN can enjoy a stay at the charming Gaylord Opryland Resort, the largest non-casino hotel in the world, located in the heart of Music City. While there, come and be part of country music history with a visit to the world's longest running radio show, the Grand Ole Opry!