Remembering THE GRAND OLE OPRY of Yesterday
The Ryman Auditorium
Nashville is well known for its country music. The good ole days brought many fine entertainers with many making their noticeable first appearances right there on Broadway in one of their honky-tonk bars. Bright lights, loud speakers drawing in crowds and a lucky break became their ticket to perform on The Grand Ole Opry, which was located in the Ryman Auditorium. History serves to tell the story decades later as they have turned this once Union Gospel Tabernacle into a fine museum. Thomas Ryman donated much time and money to construct this building. In his honor they renamed the building Ryman Auditorium in 1904, the year of his death. A grand statue of this Riverboat captain/business man can be found just outside the entrance to the Ryman Auditorium.
Birthplace of Blue Grass Music
Back in 1945 a new twist to the country music form found its way onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. And in December of that year, Bill Monroe and his mandolin introduced Blue Grass to the American audience. A band known as The Original Blue Grass Band was made up of fine artist like Earl Scruggs, Lester Flats, Chubby Wise and Howard Witts (Cedric Rainwater). The sound is unique with its banjo, guitar and other strings to enhance a jamming good rhythm of foot stumping music America can enjoy.
A Museum of Tribune at the Ryman Auditorium
Displays are located throughout this monstrous size building to honor the famous artist which performed there. A blast from the past is surely a great way to explore anyone’s love for country music and discover things from its origin. The show left the Ryman in 1974 and a piece of the hardwood from the Ryman Auditorium was placed center stage at the new Grand Ole Opry House. Richard Nixon joined Roy Acuff the first night to introduce the new location. Many new artists join the seasoned performers year after year.
A tribune for such performers as Ernest Tubbs, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe and many more show appreciation to our fine American talents of the past as we tour the Ryman Auditorium. This is a sight visitors should take time to see while touring the sights of Nashville.
