When people think of the Grand Ole Opry, they naturally conjure images of the birthplace of country music. After all, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash have all stepped into the infamous circle to perform their songs. While the Grand Ole Opry has continued to help define the genre of country music over the past 90 years, it’s also welcomed numerous Christian artists onto its hallowed stage with open arms. Matthew West, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli and NEEDTOBREATHE are just a few of the Christian artists who have made their Grand Ole Opry debut through the years. Artists like Steven Curtis Chapman continue to play the Opry on a regular basis. It’s a coveted invitation that artists of any genre don’t take lightly. The first Opry radio show aired on November 28, 1925, and quickly became a popular medium that showcased rising country talent. The show eventually evolved into a live performance format but can still be heard on WSM radio today. Now, each week, the Opry takes place right here in this auditorium. Shows featuring multiple artists and lasting well over two hours take place every Friday and Saturday night (and on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays), but you don’t have to be in Music City to enjoy the live music. You can listen live on opry.com as country legends and current chart-toppers alike perform. The Grand Ole Opry House you’re now sitting in became the first venue built specifically as the permanent home for the Grand Ole Opry. President Richard Nixon was in attendance the night it opened on March 16, 1974. Prior to that, the Grand Ole Opry was held at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman still hosts the Opry during the winter months, spotlighting performances from ace musicians like Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill to appearances by superstars like Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town. During the historic flood of 2010, the Grand Ole Opry House suffered extensive damage and was temporarily closed for five months of restoration work. Restored to its former glory, today the Grand Ole Opry House serves as a welcome respite for music’s biggest and brightest stars—across country, bluegrass, Americana and Christian music. —venue Spotlight— Grand ole opry house nashville, Tennessee THE OprY BY THE NuMBErS 15.8 million feet of audio, video and lighting cable 6,024 songs performed during Opry shows each year 4,600+ (and counting) consecutive Saturday nights aired on WSM 4,400 seats in the Grand Ole Opry House auditorium 200+ ocial Grand Ole Opry members >> 22 << >> 23 << NEEDTOBREATHE’s Opry Debut, April 19, 2014 Ellie Holcomb’s Opry Debut, April 1, 2017 Chris Tomlin’s Opry Debut, December 4, 2015
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