Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, TN

If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, you have probably considered visiting the Grand Ole Opry. It is included in ALL Things-To-Do in Nashville lists! With good reason. It is entertaining, surrounded by other good things to do in the area, and is relatively inexpensive.

If you’re like me, you might be confused by the descriptions of the Opry. It’s described as a radio broadcast, showcasing country music, but it is ALSO a live stage show, with great comedians and contemporary musicians.

The radio show is performed live, generally with eight artists performing, with live commercial breaks happening while the stage transforms for each artist. The Opry is a mix of country, bluegrass, folk, gospel, and Americana music, with bits of comedy and skits too. Each artist performs 3-4 songs, which leaves you wanting more from some artists, and is bearable for the artists you don’t care for. Or you can check sports scores on your phone during the show as Cabana John did.

HISTORY:

The Grand Ole Opry is the longest running radio broadcast in U.S. history, founded in 1925.

The Grand Ole Opry is about a twenty minute drive from downtown Nashville where the original Grand Ole Opry took place at the Ryman Auditorium. In 1975, the Opry relocated to a larger, dedicated space for the show, bringing with it a 6-foot circle of the old stage, which is now embedded into the new stage floor. The circle is said to be the most sacred piece of wood in country music. If you take a tour of the Opry, you can often stand in the circle yourself.

When asked why the circle was so special, Brad Paisley said, “I think keeping, physically and metaphorically, this bond with the past is something that separates the Opry from almost all other musical institutions.” Paisley has been an Opry member since 2001 and calls the Opry his favorite place in Nashville. “It’s absolutely imperative that when you walk onto the Opry stage, that circle of wood be there.”  

Do you know who has sung over 5,300 times at the Grand Ole Opry? I didn’t until I saw my first show and Jeannie Seely was introduced. She is the most frequent performer and has been performing at the Opry since 1967. I’ll leave it to you to decide if 5,300 is enough performances for her or not. 

We saw several great artists, including Ricky Skaggs and Big & Rich.

There have been 226+ Opry members since 1925. Here is a current list of members (as of 2024):

CURRENT OPRY MEMBERS (as of 2024)

If you end up going to the show, the Opry Mills Mall is across the street if you need to buy a sparkly hat or cowboy boots before the show. There are lots of restaurant options there too.

Here are the rules, as of 2024.