It all started on November 28, 1925 when a young announcer on WSM radio announced an 80-year-old fiddler named Uncle Jimmy Thompson. That announcer was George D. Hay, who went by the nickname of "The Solemn Old Judge." That show became known as the Grand Ole Opry. A name attributed to Hay, who during a broadcast in 1928 remarked, "For the past hour, we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera, but now we will present 'The Grand Ole Opry.'"
Starting on May 28, 2005, the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate 80 years of great country music. The celebration will continue throughout the year with several events featuring:
- 80th Anniversary Signature Show Series.
- Free summertime Opry Plaza Parties.
- “An Evening With The Grand Ole Opry” multi-city tour.
- Opry’s 80th Birthday Bash Weekend, which happens on Oct. 14th and 15th.
- Special Opry 80th Anniversary performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall, taking place on Nov. 14th.
- The Opry will return to the Ryman Auditorium in November and December.
- A special series of Shop at Home Network shows featuring Opry merchandise
- Opry guest announcers, and more
80th Anniversary Signature Show Series
The first show of the 80th Anniversary Celebration will be on May 28th, and will highlight the best in country music from each of the Opry's eight decades, as voted on by visitors of the Opry.com website. The shows will contain Signature Songs, which are performances of songs that have given the Opry its signature sound, plus And the Winner Is... which will highlight country's all-time biggest award winners. These shows will be announced through the year.
Opry Plaza Parties
This summer will be filled with the sounds of music as award-winning bluegrass and Americana acts will headline free shows on Fridays and Saturdays starting on June 10th and running through August 12th.
"An Evening With The Grand Ole Opry" Concert Tour"
The tour will hit the road starting this Spring. Among the artists who will be part of the tour are Ricky Skaggs, Del McCoury Band and Patty Loveless.
The Opry's 80th Birthday Bash
The weekend of October 14th and 15th is the date when the Opry has its Birthday Bash with two shows at the Opry House on Fri and Sat nights at 6:30 and 9:30 pm.
Special performance at New York's Carnegie Hall
The Opry will take the show to the Big Apple, playing at Carnegie Hall on November 14th. On the evening before the Special New York CMA Awards show, the show will feature Opry Members Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, Ricky Skaggs, and more. Gaylord Entertainment President and CEO Colin Reed will begin the special day in New York by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
The Opry Returns to the Historic Ryman
The Opry will end the year with shows at the Historic Ryman Auditorium in November and December.
Opry Guest Announcers
A group of celebrities from all walks of life will take turns being a guest announcer throughout the 80th celebration. The Today Show's Willard Scott will take a turn on October 15th, while After Midnite's Blaire Garner will get his shot on June 10th, during the CMA Music Festival.
Opry-themed Merchandise on Home Shopping Network
The Opry and the Home Shopping Network will form a partnership that will see a series of 80th Anniversary collectibles, and limited edition instruments. The items will also be available at The Opry Shop in Nashville and at Shopathometv.com and Opry.com online.
