Grand Ole Opry
Celebrating 75 years
It is difficult to put into words just how excited I am for every member of the Grand Ole Opry family. The celebration of the Opry’s 75th anniversary is at hand, and I am eager for the festivities to begin.
George D. Hay and the early performers on the Opry could not have imagined that their little radio show would have prospered for 75 years. I am sure they would be amazed...and pleased...to see the Opry today.
Through these many years, the Opry has presented audiences with an incredible, diverse, and ever-changing array of country music talent. It has respected tradition while opening its arms to each decade’s rising stars. That’s what has kept the Opry popular and vibrant.
The Opry is one of the cornerstones of Gaylord Entertainment Company. It is known—and loved—by people around the world. I myself am honored to be affiliated with the Opry, and I look forward to many nights of celebrations. Keep up the good music.
—Terry London
CEO of Gaylord Entertainment
If people consider Nashville synonymous with country music, one of the main reasons is the Grand Ole Opry. Long before record companies set up shop on Music Row, the Opry was spotlighting country music, from the fiddle tunes of Uncle Jimmy Thompson to the blues-inflected duets of the Delmore Brothers to the harmonica wizardry of DeFord Bailey.
Decades ago, WSM was only one of several AM powerhouses broadcasting live country music to the American people. KWKH in Shreveport had the Louisiana Hayride, WLS in Chicago hosted the National Barn Dance, and there were others as well. But only WSM continues to broadcast the Grand Ole Opry; as such, the Opry is a vital link to the past, even as it pushes ahead into the future.
Inside this celebration of the Grand Ole Opry’s first 75 years, you’ll find stories examining the show’s history and its current mission to remain a vital and important institution. We’ve focused on a couple of Opry stars who have helped usher the show into the new century, as well as looking at one native Nashvillian who can thank the Opry for starting him on his long and productive career in music. Finally, we take a glimpse at the curious history of the transmission tower that helped make the Grand Ole Opry and WSM household names. In addition, you’ll find a schedule of events taking place this summer in conjunction with the Opry’s anniversary celebration.
The Nashville Scene is proud to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Grand Ole Opry. Congratulations on a remarkable 75 years, and may the next 75 be just as fruitful and exciting.
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