It began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 – today it is a live entertainment phenomenon! Dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, the Grand Ole Opry showcases a mix of country legends and contemporary chart-toppers.
Known as the home of American music and Country Music’s most famous stage, The Grand Ole Opry has been an icon for music ever since their radio broadcast in 1925 helped make country music famous in the first place.
Hundreds of thousands visit annually and millions more tune in to Opry live broadcasts via a mobile app, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Nashville’s 650 AM WSM, and Opry website. With each 2-hour show featuring eight or more artists including notable alumni such as Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Jimmy Dickens, there are many opportunities for “Opry Moments” where notable musicians invite others for impromptu duets or renditions of favorites.
In 1974, the Opry said goodbye to its original home at the Ryman Auditorium and moved to take up residence at the newly-built Grand Ole Opry House. To maintain its ties to the Ryman, a six-foot circle of hardwood was taken from the Ryman and placed center stage at the Opry House. The overhead screens and seating layout allow for great visibility from any seat in the house.
Today the magic continues. Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Alison Krauss, and Carrie Underwood are among the stars who are part of the Opry family.
There are numerous back-of-the-house tours available to fulfill your top-of-the-bucket-list experiences. DAYTIME TOUR with a knowledgeable tour guides for a hour-long, exclusive backstage tour and an intimate look at the people, places and stories behind the show that made country music famous. POST-SHOW TOUR for an inside look at what goes on behind the curtain following a production. VIP TOUR to hang out backstage before showtime. Acknowledge a special occasion with the Celebration Add-On; for $25 you will receive a Grand Ole Opry gift bag, and recognition in the Opry program as well as during the live show!
*Editor’s Note: By Nancy Radlauer, Editor-in-Chef, Editor.InboundMagazine@gmail.com; No visit to Nashville is complete without attending a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry. And you don’t need to be a country music fan to enjoy a show because all their shows are timeless and perfect for all ages. My recent visit included a fun-filled evening with grandsons aged 13 and 16 years. Our show featured Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Tracy Lawrence, Tony Jackson, Kyle Dillingham, Maggie Rose, and the Oak Ridge Boys…Check out their website for upcoming events. Great seats, great acoustics, & great show!
Visit: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville; 615-871-6779; opry.com
