No stage is more highly esteemed in the inner circles of country music than that of the Grand Ole Opry. With humble beginnings as a talent showcase for local, rural musicians, the Grand Ole Opry radio program has ballooned into a nationwide powerhouse in the country music industry. A right of passage for the genre’s top artists, playing the Grand Ole Opry is a major milestone for any musician’s career, with membership in the Opry’s Country Music Hall of Fame reigning supreme as country music’s utmost honor. Beginning its broadcast in 1925, for the better half of a century the Opry has made a distinct point to celebrate contemporary country crooners while still recognizing and promoting the history and heritage of country, bluegrass, folk and gospel alike.Once the Grand Ole Opry’s live show number increased with popularity, the program found its first permanent home in Ryman Auditorium in 1943. From this location, the Opry truly grew to national prominence. The Ryman would feature some of the biggest names in country music to grace its stage, though in this era, the Grand Ole Opry viewed itself as a strictly traditional country forum, with little room alternative or countercultural sounds. Elvis Presley only made one appearance, in 1954, his gyrating hips and soul-infused chords proving too much for the Opry audiences of the time. Over time the Opry would adapt to cater to a larger fan base, and ultimately become not only accepting but encouraging of unique vocal styles.The Grand Ole Opry house was built in 1974, since housing the Grand Ole Opry ina 4,400 seat venue, just 9 miles east of downtown Nashville. The new stage took with it part of its history, featuring a large cut of wood from the original Ryman stage. Today, performances continue several times a week, with hundreds of thousands of country music fans a year making the pilgrim to Nashville, just to take in the stage that put country music on the map.

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