Why is the Grand Ole Opry so iconic? Who has played there?

Virgin Radio

13 Sep 2023, 16:12

The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most famous venues in the world, but what makes it such a big name?

The Nashville venue has hosted many famous names over the years.

It is regularly referred to as the "home of country music" and it's easy to see why.

The venue opened 96 years ago, and it started off by hosting an event called the WSM Barn Dance with Uncle Jimmy Thompson, a 77-year-old fiddle player.

The first event was held on November 28, 1925, and this date is now widely held as the birthday of the venue.

The name came about because of a mispronunciation of "the grand opera" to "the grand ole opry".

The stage hosted many incredible performances over the years.

Names to tread the boards include the debut performance from Hank Williams, as well as concerts from legends like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Jeannie Seely, and Dolly Parton.

One Elvis Presley also played a one-off show there.

Johnny Cash became a member of the venue,. where he went on to meet his wife.

He famously broke all of the footlights at the front of the stage inside Ryman Auditorium.

President Richard Nixon later appeared at the venue, and lead the Opry audience in singing "Happy Birthday" to First Lady Pat Nixon.

In the 1990s, country stars including Charley Pride, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Martina McBride, Diamond Rio, and Trisha Yearwood all appeared.

In the 2000s the likes of Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Trace Adkins, Carrie Underwood, and Montgomery Gentry played, before the venue closed for five months after flooding.

It was refurbished and remodelled, and in the 2010s hosted Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Little Big Town.

Thanks to Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Hotels, you could be flying out to the States to Shop at New York's iconic 5th Avenue, Rock out in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry, and Recover at the luxurious Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Spa!

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