All of it started with a fiddle.
In 1925, newly launched Nashville-based radio station WSM employed widespread Chicago DJ George D. Hay, host of the Nationwide Barn Dance program, to change into its voice and, after all, play information. However his retitled WSM Barn Dance, which debuted Saturday, November 28, had a distinct focus: stay music. Opening evening ended with a highlight on “Uncle Jimmy” Thompson, an eccentric 77-year-old fiddler who took music requests from listeners. They poured in — through telephone calls and even telegrams — setting the stage for what was to come back. Two years later, in December 1927, Hay famously uttered the phrases “Grand Ole Opry” about his profitable radio present, birthing a legend.
The Grand Ole Opry is now being honored with a celebration befitting its historical past — one that includes stay performances from the world’s largest nation music stars in entrance of an viewers, and airing on Opry 100: A Stay Celebration. Blake Shelton, the multiplatinum nation star and former The Voice coach, hosts.
“The Grand Ole Opry has been connecting the nation music household for 100 years,” Shelton says, “and I’m so proud to be a part of this historic celebration.” Shelton grew to become an Opry member in 2010, calling it “a spotlight of my life and profession.” He provides, “Fifteen years later, I nonetheless get that very same feeling of reverence and pleasure each time I stroll out on that stage.”
The celebration will characteristic three hours of music, with performances from superstars Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, and plenty of extra. They’ll be divided between each the Ryman Auditorium (the Opry’s unique house till 1974) and its present 4,400-seat theater (which famously hosts a 6-foot round portion from the Ryman on its stage — proving the Grand Ole Opry circle stays unbroken even at the moment).
One star Opry followers are particularly desirous to see is Randy Travis, a member since 1986. The “Endlessly and Ever, Amen” singer, who has confronted a number of well being points over the previous 12 years, will seem on the particular, together with different beloved entertainers resembling Amy Grant.
Regardless of its roots in radio, the Grand Ole Opry has been a tv presence for many years. From 1955 to 1956, ABC aired Opry live shows month-to-month, and PBS confirmed annual Opry specials from 1978 to 1981. In 1985, it started airing on the Nashville Community, then CMT and GAC. The live shows now stream Saturday nights on the Opry’s Fb and YouTube channels and on the Circle Nation platform.
A celebration of the longest-running radio program in America deserves this new TV milestone as properly. Notes Opry Leisure Group President Patrick Moore, “This particular evening of programming will join tens of millions of nation music followers to the magic of the Opry.”
Opry 100: A Stay Celebration, Wednesday, March 19, 8/7c, NBC & Peacock