The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating 100 years of live radio performances throughout the year. Though the official anniversary falls in November, the special programming has already begun.
Radio was still cutting-edge technology when the Opry launched in 1925. And within a few decades, it became the national broadcast platform for country music and the founding institution of Nashville’s country music industry.
Dan Rogers, senior VP and executive producer, says that plans for the Opry’s 100th were already a topic of discussion when he first joined the staff 25 years ago. The vision his team ultimately settled on has two main goals:
“One, to celebrate the folks on whose shoulders we stand today, to look back really in awe. And throw the doors wide open, put our hands out and welcome new artists and new folks like me, ready to take the Opry into the next 100 years.”
The show’s past will be the focus of everything from tribute shows dedicated to Opry legends to a coffee table book chronicling its history.
Other programming is aimed at expanding both the array of country voices, styles and sensibilities featured on its stage and its global reach. The Opry will do its first ever overseas broadcast from London’s Royal Albert Hall. And over the course of the year, at least 100 performers will make their Opry debuts.
Shaboozey’s was first on the schedule, but he had to postpone due to the L.A. wildfires. Ringo Starr made his inaugural appearance on the Opry a week ago. And comic Danae Hays will soon join the show with the self-aware, countrified satire that’s brought her millions of followers on social media.
Rogers says that the Opry invited Hays to debut after getting to know her, and collaborating on an online comedy bit.
“She did a fun social media post with us where she came in and pretended to spike the Opry backstage lemonade with vodka,” he recalls. “And I believe that was all for show. ”
But he didn’t actually try it.
I’ll be there to report on the punchlines Hays has in store for her official Opry intro, and to place it all in context.
