Photo Credit: Chris Hollo
On Saturday, the Grand Ole Opry House marked its 50th anniversary since it opened its doors to an abundant audience, including then-president Richard Nixon. Five decades later, on March 15, the seasoned stage was illuminated with an aura of concerts past when Opry members showed up and paid respect to the lineage of Nashville, Tenn. venue.
The evening began with the staged and seasoned talent lending their voices to Roy Acuff’s “Wabash Cannon.” The evening continued with Opry member Mark Wills leading a cover of “Country Roads, Take Me Home,” addressing the audience: “Here’s to all those city streets and country roads that week after week, year after year lead us back to our musical home, the Grand Ole Opry House.”
During Saturday’s stand, contributors and present members Mandy Barnett, Clint Black, Jamie Dailey (Dailey & Vincent), The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Del McCoury, Gary Mule Deer, Don Schlitz, and Riders In The Sky took part in the event. Notably, Opry-honored members Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, and Connie Smith were also in attendance during the show and the opening night of the Opry house in 1974.
Beyond the cast mentioned above of artists, T Graham Brown was also in attendance. The musician was invited to become an official Opry member in February and will be inducted this spring. The Opry House’s 50th anniversary arrives on the heels of its milestone 100th year on the airwaves.
Notably, the Grand Ole Opry House is the Opry’s sixth home and was built specifically to house the robust ensemble. The current structure represents the most extended home for the all-star group, following its previous home, the Ryman Auditorium.
Opry cast March 16, 1974 with Pres. Nixon. Photo by Les Levertt.