The Grand Ole Opry certainly knows how to throw a party. On Wednesday (March 19), country music’s most revered stage hosted a massive night of performances to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
Opry 100: A Live Celebration took place at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opryhouse and aired on NBC.
In addition to some of country music’s biggest names, such as Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire, the night featured appearances and performances from some of the most iconic legends, as well as a few newcomers to Nashville.
What Is the Grand Ole Opry?
In 1925, the Grand Ole Opry debuted as a country radio program on the renowned WSM station. On November 28, 1925, it premiered as the WSM Barn Dance, with fiddle player Uncle Jimmy Thompson performing on the program. The stage was originally called the Grand Opera, but a new name — the Grand Ole Opry — stuck in 1927.
The historic Ryman Auditorium hosted the Opry’s early shows. Many legends performed, including Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Loretta Lynn, and others.
Even Elvis Presley made his only Opry appearance while the show was hosted at the Ryman.
The last show at that venue occurred on March 15, 1974. The following night, the Opry relocated to its new home, the Grand Ole Opry House, where it has remained ever since.
To perform at the Grand Ole Opry is a great honor, and being inducted into the Opry cements an artist’s place among the greats of country music.
Who Performed at Opry 100: A Live Celebration?
The Opry’s televised milestone anniversary featured performances from dozens of country singers, as well as a few from other genres. Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Keith Urban, and others were on hand to entertain.
Alan Jackson gave a rare performance. Despite being in the midst of his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, the country veteran hasn’t appeared on television since accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the CMA Awards in 2022.