The Grand Ole Opry: A detailed look at the legendary Country show
Everything you need to know, from its history to active members, and 100th birthday...
The Grand Ole Opry - a legendary radio and live-music show which has become a cornerstone of American country music - has entertained audiences for almost a century, celebrating its milestone 100th anniversary this year. The country music concert show famously takes place in Nashville, Tennessee, and after starting out as just a radio barn dance on 28th November 1925, has gone on to showcase some of the biggest legendary names in country music.
Explore the rich history, legacy, and captivating atmosphere and charm of the legendary Grand Ole Opry in our comprehensive guide, and experience the magic as we take you through everything you need to know about the iconic country event. From members of The Grand Ole Opry, to what to expect from the 100th anniversary and how it became one of the genre's most enduring and revered stages - and everything in-between…
How did The Grand Ole Opry start?
Back in 1925, The Grand Ole Opry began as a radio show called the WSM Barn Dance on 28th November. Prominent and celebrated radio announcer George D. Hay spearheaded the programme alongside Uncle Jimmy Thompson, a 77-year-old fiddle player, just weeks after George was hired by WSM.
In its early days, the show saw regular performances from the likes of bands such as Fruit Jar Drinkers, Bill Monroe, the Possum Hunters (with Humphrey Bate), the Crook Brothers, Fiddlin' Arthur Smith, the Gully Jumpers and more. Growing in popularity over the years, The Grand Ole Opry now showcases many country and folk music artists, and has become a cornerstone of American music.
The Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary
In 2024, as fans, artists and friends gathered to mark the Opry’s 99th birthday, exciting plans were revealed for the upcoming 100th anniversary in 2025 - dubbed Opry 100.
With celebrations beginning from the first Opry show of the year, Opry 100 will be marked through a series of memorable events throughout 2025. On top of special shows, exhibits, deluxe book publishing and merchandise, we can also expect the Opry's first ever international performance - right here in the UK!
With more details yet to be revealed, The Grand Ole Opry will stage a performance outside the United States for the first time in Autumn 2025 - heading to London's renowned Royal Albert Hall. The landmark show promises to feature an all-star cast, celebrating and bringing to life the rich and diverse musical styles found within the country music genre.
Find out everything you need to know about the Opry 100 celebrations right here.
In celebration of their 100th anniversary, the Opry will also be heading back to its famous former home, Ryman Auditorium, for a show on Saturday 7th June.
Where is the Grand Ole Opry?
Starting out in the new fifth floor radio studio of the National Life & Accident Insurance Company, in downtown Nashville back in 1925, the venue soon became too small to accommodate the growing audiences for the live show. Despite building a larger studio, the show’s growing popularity could still not be accommodated, thus seeing the Opry officially move.
Over the years, the show took place in various theatres and auditoriums, with a 25-cent admission fee even coming into play. In June 1943, the Opry moved to the 2,362-seat Ryman Auditorium, where it stayed until 1974 before the 4,000-seat purpose-built Opry House theatre was built.
Following the final show of The Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium 15th March 1974, the show debuted in the Opry House on Saturday 16th March 1974.
The Ryman Auditorium is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is an official National Historic Landmark. In January 2015, The Grand Ole Opry House was also added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Where is the Ryman Auditorium?
Situated in Nashville, the official address of the Ryman Auditorium is: 116 Rep. John Lewis Way, North, Nashville, Tennessee 37219.
Where is the Opry House?
Also in Nashville, you can find the Opry House at this address: 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37214.
How long is the Grand Ole Opry show?
Every show is around 2 hours long, with a 15-minute intermission. You can also get a tour of the Grand Ole Opry, with the backstage tour normally taking between 45-60 minutes.
How much is it to see a show?
With their self-proclaimed 'no bad seats', the Grand Ole Opry can sit over 4,000 people, spanning over 37 different sections.
Tickets for Opry 100 shows look to start at around £47 ($59) - you can check out all of the dates, acts and tickets available of the Opry's official website.
Tour tickets are free for children (under the age of 12, that is), and children under four get free show admission - however they must be sitting with their guardian during the show.
How do you become a member of The Grand Ole Opry?
New members are selected by Opry management based on several factors including critical and commercial success, respect for the history of country music and commitment to appearing on the program. Taking into account ‘all the standards of success in country music’, management considers factors such as radio airplay, recorded music sales, touring success and industry recognition, while also maintaining a musical and a generational balance.
Once a new member has been chosen, an existing member will ask the new member to join the Opry live on-air during the broadcast, usually when the new member is performing as a guest. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a handful of new members became automatic members or were invited via an interview.
Being invited to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry is considered one of country music's crowning achievements.
What does it mean to be a member of The Grand Ole Opry?
One of the highest honours in country music, being inducted as a member of The Grand Ole Opry signifies a level of achievement, respect, and commitment to the genre and its highly-esteemed traditions.
But, of course, with such a high honour comes responsibility. Members of The Grand Ole Opry have the obligations of regular performances, upholding traditions and contributing to the Opry community - which includes attending events and mentoring younger artists. From being inducted, members are not only committing to just the Opry, to country music as a whole.
Check out some of the most popular artists who are members of The Grand Ole Opry:
Luke Combs
INDUCTED: 16th July 2019
OPRY DEBUT: Unknown
Luke Combs is a multi-platinum, ACM, CMA, CMT and Billboard Music Award-winning artist. His deluxe album, 'What You See Ain't Always What You Get', debuted at Number 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart as well as Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. His multi-Platinum-certified single 'Forever After All' is Combs' 11th consecutive Number 1 single. Combs also recently made history as the first artist ever to have their first two studio albums spend 25 weeks or more at Number 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and his 2017 debut 'This One's For You' spent 50 non-consecutive weeks at Number 1 - tying the record for the longest reign atop the chart.
Carrie Underwood
INDUCTED: 10th May 2008
OPRY DEBUT: 10th June 2005
Carrie Underwood has reigned supreme at the top of the country charts, including 'Jesus, Take the Wheel,' 'Before He Cheats,' 'Cowboy Casanova,' 'All-American Girl,' 'Good Girl' and 'See You Again.' She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, received eight Grammys and multiple awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, which she has co-hosted with fellow Opry star Brad Paisley.
Keith Urban
INDUCTED: 21st April 2012
OPRY DEBUT: Unknown
New Zealand-born and Australia-raised, Keith Urban moved to Nashville in 1992. With hits including 'Somebody Like You', 'Cop Car' and 'Raise 'Em Up', Urban has sold more than 15 million albums, been named radio's most-played country artist and has won praise the world over with his electrifying sold-out concerts that have taken him from Australia to Germany, Canada and the UK.
Lainey Wilson
INDUCTED: 7th June 2024
OPRY DEBUT: 14th February 2020
Lainey Wilson has been taking the country music scene by storm, quickly becoming known for her distinctive style which hears her blend modern influences with traditional country. Her breakout hit 'Heart Like Yours' propelled her to fame, with the singer now having five studio albums under her belt - with her latest, 'Whirlwind', bagging the Number 1 spot in the UK Country Albums Chart.
Blake Shelton
INDUCTED: 23rd October 2010
OPRY DEBUT: 5th May 2001
Blake Shelton has won CMA Entertainer of the Year, is a multiple Male Vocalist of the Year, and he and Miranda Lambert garnered Song of the Year honours for co-writing the Platinum-selling chart-topper, 'Over You'. He has earned a host of other awards and nominations, including multiple Grammy nominations, six Gold and Platinum albums, and has hosted the ACM Awards repeatedly.
Ashley McBryde
INDUCTED: 10th December 2022
OPRY DEBUT: 16th June 2017
A powerful voice in the country music scene, the talented Ashley McBryde is a force to be reckoned with. With critically acclaimed albums, such as 'Girl Going Nowhere' and 'Never Will', she has earned numerous awards and solidified her status as a respected and influential artist. Now with four studio albums to her name, it's no surprise her latest offering 'The Devil I Know' bagged the Number 1 spot on the UK Country Albums Chart.
Carly Pearce
INDUCTED: 3rd August 2021
OPRY DEBUT: 30th May 2015
Carly Pearce has done well for a girl who left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood! She's gone on to become one of the most exciting new voices in country music, earning two ACM Awards for her Platinum-certified Number 1 duet with Lee Brice on 'I Hope You're Happy Now'. In the summer of 2021, Carly Pearce was invited by Dolly Parton to join the Grand Ole Opry, after over 80 performances on the show.
Lady A
INDUCTED: 21st January 2021
OPRY DEBUT: 2nd November 2007
Over the course of their career, Lady A have racked up more than 18 million album units - and the trio earned their 11th career Number 1 with the multi-week chart topper 'Champagne Night'. Known for their 9x Platinum hit 'Need You Now' - the highest certified song by a Country group - they have earned CMA 'Vocal Group of the Year' trophies three years in a row and countless other honours including five Grammy Awards.
Darius Rucker
INDUCTED: 16th October 2012
OPRY DEBUT: 15th July 2008
Darius Rucker found success with his band Hootie & The Blowfish, with the Grammy-winning group's 1994 debut 'Cracked Rear View' continuing to be one of the best-selling albums in history, surpassing the 16 million album mark. Rucker made the transition to country music with his first album, 'Learn to Live', releasing the single, 'Don't Think I Don't Think About It', which made him the first black artist to reach Number 1 on the Hot Country Songs charts since Charley Pride in 1983. In 2009, he became the first black American to win the New Artist Award from the Country Music Association, and the second black person to win any award from the association.
Kelsea Ballerini
INDUCTED: 16th April 2019
OPRY DEBUT: 14th February 2015
Kelsea Ballerini has already got two Grammy Award nominations and won two ACM Awards - and she's just getting started. Her debut is now certified Platinum in the US, with her sophomore albums certified Gold - with total streams exceeding 2 billion to date. At the time of her induction, she became the Grand Ole Opry's youngest active member.
Dolly Parton
INDUCTED: 4th January 1969
OPRY DEBUT: 25th July 1959
Dolly Parton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Parton has garnered 11 Grammy Awards and 50 nominations, including the Lifetime Achievement Award; 10 Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year and is one of only seven female artists to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year Award; five Academy of Country Music Awards, also including Entertainer of the Year; four People's Choice Awards; and three American Music Awards.
Reba McEntire
INDUCTED: 17th January 1986
OPRY DEBUT: 17th September 1977
Reba is the only female artist to have scored Number 1 singles in each decade from the 1980s through to the current one. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998, has sold more than 55 million albums and earned two Grammy Awards. Reba is the most-nominated female artist in the history of the Country Music Association Awards, which named her its Entertainer of the Year in 1986.
Dierks Bentley
INDUCTED: 1st October 2005
OPRY DEBUT: 18th April 2003
Dierks Bentley's studio albums have accounted for 25 singles on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, of which 17 have reached Number 1. While he's a regular atop the country charts, he makes sure to include a bluegrass tune on every album. He's received three CMA Awards, four ACM Awards and been nominated for fourteen Grammy's.
How many members are there?
There are currently around 76 active members of The Grand Ole Opry. Since the 1920s, 230 artists have been inducted, however a number are retired or deceased.
Inducted on 15th July 1961, Bill Anderson is the longest-serving member in the Opry's history - with 2025 marking his 64th year of continuous service.
Which country singers are active members of The Grand Ole Opry?
Trace Adkins
Lauren Alaina
Bill Anderson
Bobby Bare
Mandy Barnett
Clint Black
Garth Brooks
Steven Curtis Chapman
Henry Cho
Terri Clark
John Conlee
Dailey & Vincent
Diamond Rio
Sara Evans
Gary Mule Deer
Crystal Gayle
Vince Gill
Emmylou Harris
Alan Jackson
Chris Janson
Jamey Johnson
Alison Krauss
Little Big Town
Patty Loveless
Dustin Lynch
Barbara Mandrell
Martina McBride
Del McCoury
Charlie McCoy
Scotty McCreery
Reba McEntire
Ronnie Milsap
Eddie Montgomery
Craig Morgan
Lorrie Morgan
Old Crow Medicine Show
Brad Paisley
Jon Pardi
Carly Pearce
Stu Phillips
Jeanne Pruett
Rascal Flatts
Riders In The Sky
Darius Rucker
Don Schlitz
Jeannie Seely
Ricky Skaggs
Connie Smith
Mike Snider
Marty Stuart
T. Graham Brown
The Gatlin Brothers
The Isaacs
The Oak Ridge Boys
The Whites
Pam Tillis
Randy Travis
Travis Tritt
Josh Turner
Keith Urban
Ricky Van Shelton
Rhonda Vincent
Steve Wariner
Gene Watson
Mark Wills
Lainey Wilson
Trisha Yearwood
Chris Young
Read more:
Absolute Radio Country Schedule
Luke Combs: A powerful voice in country music
Watch Dolly Parton surprise Carly Pearce with Grand Ole Opry member invite