One hundred years ago a humble barn dance began broadcasting on the airwaves, and Nashville tuned in. It became so beloved it had to continually move venues to accommodate its every growing fanbase. The show? The Grand Ole Opry. Today the Opry has its very own home in a purpose built theatre with over 4,000 seats and is known around the world as the home of country music.

After decades at the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry realized they needed more seating, and couldn’t go on without proper dressing rooms and air conditioning. So in 1974 they moved to a larger venue with all the trimmings. But they couldn’t leave without something, and cut a six foot diameter circular portion of the Ryman stage to place front and center as part of the new stage.

The stars of the Opry are numerous, and the Opry even has a post office dedicated to their members where fan mail arrives daily. The history of the storied program and venue is reflected in the dressing rooms, which pay homage to various stars.

Patrick and I took the Women in Country tour, which explored the backstage, highlighting dressing rooms dedicated to various female performers. I was charmed by the Cousin Pearl room, dedicated to Opry legend Minnie Pearl, complete with a floral light fixture inspired by her iconic hat with the $1.98 price tag. But it’s important to say that Minnie Pearl was a character. Sarah Ophelia Colley was born in Tennessee and dreamed of being an actress. Like many comedians and actors who develop characters, the character of Minnie Pearl was inspired by a woman Colley met. Her local appearances as Minnie Pearl caught the eye of the WSM team behind the Grand Ole Opry, and in 1940 she joined the Opry. Minnie Pearl gave an element of relatable, down home charm and humor, amid the musical acts, and became a beloved icon that lasted for over 50 years, and even inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1975.

Knowing they would continue to draw large crowds, they selected a large piece of land along the Cumberland River, opened Opryland USA, a southern themed amusement park, in 1972, just steps away from the new Opry House. A few years later they added a grand hotel. Opryland USA closed in 1997 and was demolished to make way for Opry Mills, a shopping center. I really wish it was still there, because I would have loved to have gone!

In May of 2020 Cumberland River swelled over the banks and flooded the area, with several feet of water inside the Opry House itself. But the Opry continued to perform at venues they had previously performed at, including the Ryman. Renovations and restorations were completed in September and the Opry returned.

We did the Opry and the Ryman tours on the same day, and if you’re limited in time and/or money, and feel a need to choose between one or the other, I think the Ryman tour was just a little bit better! The Ryman is a richer in history and diversity, and has many more artifacts on display, plus it’s located in the heart of Nashville.

Catch a performance of the Grand Ole Opry or take one of their many different tours at 600 Opry Mills Drive in Nashville. For details, visit their website!

Sources
“History.” Opry.
“Minnie Pearl.” Country Music Hall of Fame.
Tour guide on site.