Grand Ole Opry Goes On The Air 85 Years Ago Today

Wow –

1927 on this date was the very first broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry live from Nashville, the real center of the musical universe.

85 years – and curiously the Opry’s web site makes no mention of it …

It was fun being involved with a lot of the opry folks and recording some shows from the Ryman and the “main” house next to their new shopping mall.

There’s been quite a transition – but that’s a whole different story I might do a doc about some day. And to especially mention the official stance about 10 or 11 years ago to “get the white hair out of the seats” …

But I digress …

Happy birthday Grand Old Opry broadcasting !!!

For those who do not know this – at the “new” opry house center stage is a circle of old wood – this was cut from the center stage at the Ryman which was the “real” opry house and placed center stage at the “new” opry house next to the shopping mall and hotel. I first attended as an audience member in 1972.

That circle of wood is fascinating … I’ve stood there many times over the years (never when the curtain was up for a show hehehe) and looked down closely at the aged wood and all the boot scuffs … beautiful and historical … It represents the attention to tradition and a respect for history held at that time.

Category: Tony Rollo Blog