Nashville-Grand Ole Opry (Part 1)

December 15, 2019 by larrysmailart

Headin’ for our seats.

Even as a boy, country music influence was all about. I have faint memories of my parents listening to the Grand ole Opry on Saturday evening while driving. My mother bought a lot of those long playing vinyl and 45 RPM records. I heard the likes of Buck Owens as a boy along with old Hank Williams and other singers of those times and before. So getting to finally go to the old Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry was an exciting time for Laurie and I.

This past Friday evening we were privileged to see a lot of the big names of country music. We heard what is often labeled mountain music, modern country music and even some bluegrass music. The performers were excellent within those hallowed walls.

Ricky Skaggs

Some History Of the Ryman

The original building was erected in the latter eighteen hundreds as a faith-based building known as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. This was in 1892. The man most responsible was one Thomas G. Ryman. His money allowed for the construction to help Christianity in the area. Ministries were being held in huge tents in Nashville prior to this building. The name became the Ryman Auditorium after Thomas Ryman’s passing.

Many entertainers eventually began having time within the building. In these early years the names utilizing the building are many. Some names are: Charlie Chaplin; Mae West, Will Rogers; Harry Houdini; Bob Hope and many others. At this time many music genres used the hall.

Laurie and Bill Monroe

In 1925, the radio station of WSM was broadcasted at the Ryman.

Bluegrass legends Bill Monroe and earl Scruggs began here at the Ryman.

In 1963 the Ryman became the Grand Ole Opry. They had live TV and radio shows. In the later years of the Opry were names such as appeared here including: Elvis Presley; Hank Williams; Johnny Cash; Merle Haggard; Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff; Patsy Cline; Neil Diamond; Doris Day and the Byrds… To see the many features visit: http://www.ryman.com

The building fell in hard times in the 1970 era and was repaired, but by 1974 the Grand Ole Opry was closed. It was an end of an era…sorta! Other events continued working here., but in 11999 the Grand Ole Opry returned becoming the Mother Church of Country Music.

Today, as we just witnessed, the Grand Ole Opry is back and strong.