Nashville takes claim to being the Home Of Bluegrass music. The plaque that is displayed outside the Ryman Auditorium states its grassroots. The Ryman Auditorium first opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. The Ryman was the setting for the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. The Opry is considered to be “the show that made country music famous” and is country’s most famous stage.
The Auditorium is a 2,362-seat live music venue that sets in the heart of Nashville. Not only is it famous for the country music stars that bless its stag, but has been the backdrop for several movies. Such movies as Loretta Lynn’s Coal Miner’s Daughter, Patsy Cline’s Sweet Dreams and Clint Eaton’s Honky Tonk Man.
Just walking around in this legendary icon seems so surreal. I remember as a small child sitting in
front of our black & white TV watching these bigger than life individuals singing their country songs. I particularly remember watching this lady sing hysterically while wearing a flowery bonnet with a small tag dangling around her head. I later found out that it was Minnie Pearl with her signature bonnet and its fake flowers and original $1.98 price tag swinging around her head. The bonnet can be seen in Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and museum.
The WSM 650 radio booth still has a presence in the auditorium. WSM (We Shield Millions) first signed on to the airwaves in 1925. The radio station has the longest running program in history. One of its first programs that aired was the “WSM Barn Dance”. On December 10, 1927, the phrase, “Grand Ole Opry” was mentioned over the airwaves.
The Grand Ole Opry has had several homes over the past 88 years. The live radio show out-grew the fifth floor studio in the National Life & Accident Insurance Co. building in downtown Nashville. From 1934 till 1943, The Grand Ole Opry was broadcasted from various venues around the downtown area. The Opry find a permanent home at the Ryman Auditorium in 1943. The Ryman has had many country music legends and their lives captured on it’s famous stage. As 
I walked around the venue, I selected a seat in the second tier and sat down. I hypnotically imagined what it was like to see Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Webb Pierce or Elvis Presley perform from this exact spot. The tingles ran up and down my spine as I sat there and vividly imposed the thought of my fantasy.
On March 16, 1974, nine miles east of downtown Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry had a new home. On opening night the Grand Ole Opry played host to our 37th President Mr. Richard Nixon. He sat down at a piano and played a few songs for the grand opening night audience. It wasn’t the last time the Ryman Auditorium would showcase the Grand Ole Opry. During the 2010 flooding of the Cumberland River, the Opry’s new home was overcome by the flood waters. The show was moved back to the Ryman Auditorium while repairs where being done on the Opry’s current location.
Just in one day’s time, I got to visit a piece of history where many of country music’s stars played their hearts out for many decades. Later on that evening, I was blessed to have the opportunity to attended a live show at the Grand Ole Opry’s current home.
The stage is set with its traditional barn backdrop and wooden floor. The venue sets approximately 4,400 people. The seats themselves are pretty comfortable and provide enough leg room for a person six foot or more in height. The ambience feels mystically famous, and at the same time very historic.
The entertainers, who are national recording artist, come out and perform three to four song sets. On this particular night Phil Vassar was headlining the show with special appearances from Jimmy Wayne and Exile. There was a total of eight entertainers. The following photos will show some of the stars that played on this memorable night.
Keith Anderson was a song writer before hitting the stage. Keith has had four hit singles that showed up on Billboards Hot Country Songs. “I still Miss You” became his first Top 5 country hit.
Della Mae showcases five very talented women that have up lifting harmonies and world class instrumental abilities. They have released several albums that include songs such as “Empire”, “Paper Prince” and “Maybelline”. You will hear more from these ladies in the near future.
Katie Armiger is from Sugar Land, Texas. She is not only a beautiful lady, but has plenty of musical talents. Katie’s “Kiss Me Now” and “Confessions of a Nice Girl” have appeared on Bill Board’s Hot Country Songs.
The headlining act for the night was Phil Vassar. Phil co-wrote songs for country music stars like Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson. Phil decided to become a recording artist in 2000. His debut album produced five hit singles on the Billboard’s country music charts. He has charted nineteen singles, including 2 number ones.
Our enchanting night ended around 10:30. The evening is far gone, but the memories are still fresh in my mind. Nashville is a city that offers history, entertainment and excitement around every corner.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photographer: Maureen Scopel
Published By: YMATD
