On this day in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting, starting in a little office with the simple aim of sharing a wide range of country music.
Until 1934, the Opry broadcast from the National Life & Insurance Company in downtown Nashville, before moving to three other locations over the next decade.
From 1943-1974, the Ryman Auditorium was home to the Opry, during which time the show went national. The Opry really took off in the 1950s, along with Nashville’s status in the recording industry, and had the biggest influx of new members of the show’s history this far. The 1960s introduced Opry memberships for artists such as Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton, names widely known even today, among non-country fans.
Finally, in March 1974, the show moved to the Grand Ole Opry House, where it remains to this day. The Opry continued to grow in its new home, and the new millenium allowed even more fans to experience the show, as it was broadcast not only on radio, but also on TV and via internet. Despite devastating floods in 2010 that left the Grand Ole Opry House (along with much of Nashville) underwater, and forced the show to broadcast from other locations during repairs, the Opry is still going strong some 90years after that first broadcast, with new acts still hoping for that prestigious Opry membership invitation.
To read more about the history, members and shows, head over to the Opry’s website.
Pippa
Third Year History
History @ Aber 