The Grand Ole Opry, A Nashville Legend

The longest-running live radio program in the world stands in a class of its own as an unparalleled phenomenon in the musical industry. Live entertainment, pageantry, comedy, and America’s music are packaged into a single, unique extravaganza with an audience connection like no other. Known originally as the WSM Barn Dance, the show first aired from the radio station’s small fifth-floor studio on November 28, 1925. The initial performer was “Uncle” Jimmy Thompson, who claimed that he could fiddle the bugs off tater vine.”        

As the audiences grew, the Opry moved to consistently larger accommodations that included East Nashville Tabernacle and Hillsboro Theatre. In 1943 the Opry settled into historic Ryman Auditorium. With its superb acoustics, this venue combined a grand performance hall with an equally grand show. By 1974, the group had once again relocated to the present 4,400-seat Grand Ole Opry House. Opryland USA, complete with its own amusement park, featured the new $15 million theatre that was further distinguished as the world’s largest broadcasting studio.  

Hundreds of thousands of Grand Ole Opry fans converge in Nashville each year to see the weekend performances that blend the finest of contemporary and country artists. It was the Grand Ole Opry that first spurred Nashville’s claim to fame as “Music City, USA.” For more information  including ticketing, contact:  

The Grand Ole Opry   

2802 Opryland Drive                  

Nashville 615-871-OPRY

www.opry.com

The Nashville metropolitan region is filled with adventures and sites that are sure to capture the attention of children of all ages, providing hours of quality family time. From amusement and entertainment centers to museums that mix fun with education, the possibilities are virtually endless.