Happy 100th Birthday Grand Ole Opry! Get Ready to Celebrate Country Music History

Country music lovers get ready to celebrate a century of sound! The Grand Ole Opry that iconic Nashville institution is turning 100 years young in 2025. That's right 100 years of incredible music legendary performances and a whole lot of history. To mark this huge milestone NBC is throwing a massive party "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" hosted by Blake Shelton and you are definitely invited to the hoedown.

From Humble Radio Beginnings to a Country Music Cornerstone: The Story of the Opry

So what's the big deal about the Grand Ole Opry anyway? Well it's only the longest-running radio broadcast in US history folks. It started way back in 1925 as the WSM Barn Dance a simple one-hour radio show. But by 1927 it got a snazzier name the Grand Ole Opry and it just took off.

Over the years the Opry became THE place for country music stars. It went national in 1939 and has welcomed over 200 artists into its membership. We are talking about everyone from early pioneers to today's biggest names. The venue itself is legendary too. It started at the Ryman Auditorium known as the "Mother Church of Country Music" before moving to the Grand Ole Opry House we all know today. Performing on that stage is like a rite of passage for country artists it is practically sacred ground.

Opry's Hall of Fame: 12 Unforgettable Performers Who Rocked the Stage

The Opry stage has seen SO many incredible artists over the decades. Picking just a few is tough but here are some notable names that really left their mark:

1. Elvis Presley: The King's Country Hiccup. Believe it or not Elvis actually played the Opry early in his career in 1954. He was just 19 and trying to make it big but his "unique" take on Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon Over Kentucky" did not go over well. Ouch an Opry official supposedly told him to stick to truck driving! Good thing Elvis ignored that advice.
2. Dolly Parton: A Debut with Encore Demands. A 13-year-old Dolly made her Opry debut thanks to an intro from Johnny Cash himself. She sang a George Jones tune "You Gotta Be My Baby" and the crowd went wild demanding THREE encores. Dolly was inducted in 1969 and celebrated her 50th Opry anniversary with a big concert.
3. Loretta Lynn: Fearless and "The Pill"-Popping Legend. Loretta joined the Opry in 1962 and never shied away from controversy. She almost got banned for singing "The Pill" her 1975 song about birth control. Loretta was ready to tell them where to shove the Opry if they censored her! She even brought Sissy Spacek who played her in "Coal Miner's Daughter" to the Opry stage.
4. Jeannie Seely: "Miss Country Soul" and Opry Queen. Jeannie has been listening to the Opry since she was a kid and joined in 1967. Get this she holds the RECORD for most Opry appearances over 5300 and counting! She even broke dress code by wearing a miniskirt and was the first woman to lead a programming section. Total trailblazer.
5. Charley Pride: Breaking Barriers as Country's First Black Solo Superstar. DeFord Bailey was the first Black performer at the Opry way back in 1927 but Charley Pride was the first Black SOLO singer almost 40 years later. He was super nervous for his debut in 1967 but became an Opry icon and was inducted in 1993.
6. Richard Nixon: Presidential Performance at the Opry. Yep you read that right a US President performed at the Opry. In 1974 Richard Nixon a country music fan himself showed up at the new Grand Ole Opry House. He led the audience in "Happy Birthday" for First Lady Pat Nixon and played piano for "My Wild Irish Rose" and "God Bless America." Wild right?
7. Randy Travis: From Debut to Biopic Buzz. Randy Travis debuted at the Opry in 1986 and was offered membership by the end of the year. He said it was a dream come true. Sadly a stroke nearly took away his singing voice in 2013 but he's making new music with AI. He recently announced a biopic "Forever and Ever Amen" about his life at the Opry.
8. Martina McBride: From T-Shirt Sales to Center Stage. Martina used to sell Garth Brooks tees but dreamed of Opry stardom herself. Her 1992 Opry debut in white cowboy boots helped launch her career. She became a member in 1995 and credits the Opry for mentorship from legends like Jeannie Seely.
9. Taylor Swift: Teenage Dream Opry Moment. Before she was mega-pop Taylor Swift played the Opry as a 16-year-old in 2006. She sang "Tim McGraw" her song about the country star and called it a dream come true. Funny enough Taylor never actually became an Opry member despite her country beginnings. She's doing okay though you might have heard.
10. Kelsea Ballerini: Valentine's Day Opry Surprise. Kelsea debuted at the Opry on Valentine's Day and called it the "ultimate surprise." She was invited to join the Opry in 2019 and Carrie Underwood inducted her. At 25 she was the youngest member at the time. Now she's mentoring young artists on The Voice maybe finding the next Opry star.
11. Kiefer Sutherland: "24" Star Takes the Mic. Jack Bauer at the Opry? Well sort of. Actor Kiefer Sutherland surprised everyone by playing music from his country album at the Opry in 2016. He admitted he was super nervous guitar in hand is different from defusing bombs as Jack Bauer.
12. Ringo Starr: Beatlemania Hits the Opry. You are never too old for your Opry debut Ringo Starr proved. At 84 he finally played the Opry fulfilling a lifelong dream. He joked about being a "cowboy inside" and mixed his new song "Time On My Hands" with a Beatles classic "With a Little Help from My Friends." Opry magic bringing everyone together.

Carrie Underwood's Randy Travis Tribute: Tears Flow at Opry Centennial Celebration

Speaking of unforgettable Opry moments Carrie Underwood recently brought the house down at the "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" event. She was there to honor Randy Travis who inducted her into the Opry family way back in 2008. Carrie shared a sweet story about listening to Randy's cassette tapes as a kid before launching into a moving tribute.

She sang Randy's classics "Three Wooden Crosses" and "Forever and Ever Amen." But the real tearjerker moment came at the end of "Forever and Ever Amen." Carrie walked over to Randy who was in the audience handed him the mic and he sang the final "Amen." The crowd ERUPTED in applause and standing ovations. Not a dry eye in the house folks. It was a truly special tribute to a country legend.

And guess what? Carrie and her husband Mike Fisher made it a date night walking their first red carpet together in two years for the Opry celebration. Even country superstars need a night out right?

Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" Duet: Opry Stage Grammy Reunion

Another awesome performance from the Opry 100 event ? Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman's duet of "Fast Car." Luke a huge fan of the song covered it and it became a massive country hit. Then they joined forces at the Grammys for an iconic performance and brought that magic to the Opry stage.

Luke has said "Fast Car" is one of his all-time favorite songs and he grew up listening to Tracy Chapman's debut album. He even performed his cover at shows for years before recording it professionally. Tracy Chapman herself was super gracious about Luke's version saying she was honored to be on the country charts and grateful for new fans discovering "Fast Car." Their Opry duet was a full circle moment celebrating a timeless song and its journey across genres and generations.

Grand Ole Opry Centennial Highlights: Must-Know Facts

• 100th Anniversary in 2025: Celebrating a century of country music.
• NBC Special "Opry 100: A Live Celebration": Airing to mark the centennial hosted by Blake Shelton.
• Longest-Running Radio Broadcast: A true American institution since 1925.
• Over 200 Members: Home to country legends and rising stars alike.
• Elvis's Shaky Debut: Early career Opry performance that didn't quite land.
• Dolly Parton's Triumphant Start: A 13-year-old sensation with multiple encores.
• Loretta Lynn's Fearless Performances: Never afraid to push boundaries even on the Opry stage.
• Jeannie Seely's Record-Breaking Appearances: Opry's most frequent performer.
• Charley Pride's Historic Induction: First Black solo singer to join the Opry.
• Richard Nixon's Presidential Serenade: The only US President to perform at the Opry.
• Carrie Underwood's Tearful Travis Tribute: Moving centennial performance honoring Randy Travis.
• Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman Duet: Grammy-reunion on the Opry stage for "Fast Car."

Here's to 100 More Years! The Grand Ole Opry's Enduring Legacy

So there you have it a glimpse into the amazing history of the Grand Ole Opry as it hits the century mark. From Elvis's early stumble to Carrie Underwood's emotional tribute and countless legendary performances in between the Opry has truly earned its place as a country music landmark. Get ready to celebrate 100 years of twang heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable moments. The Grand Ole Opry is more than just a venue it's a living breathing piece of American music history and the party is just getting started.