Grand Ole Opry

country music · Nashville · radio history · live performance

Longest-running broadcast. The Grand Ole Opry has been on the air since November 28, 1925, making it the longest continuous radio broadcast in all of U.S. history. That's almost 100 years of live music every single week!

Started as a barn dance. It began as the WSM Barn Dance in 1925, created by a man named George D. Hay. It got its famous name, the Grand Ole Opry, in 1927 and has kept that name ever since.

Mix of many styles. While it's called the Grand Ole Opry, the show features country, bluegrass, Americana, folk, and gospel music, plus funny skits and comedy performances. It's like a musical variety show that's been running for generations.

Attracts the world. Hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Nashville each year to see the Grand Ole Opry live in person. Millions more listen on the radio and internet from all around the world.

Home to superstars. The Opry has hosted and launched the careers of some of country music's biggest legends, mixing famous stars with newer chart-topping performers every week.