Grand Ole Opry to Celebrate 87th Birthday With Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins + More
The Grand Ole Opry is turning 87! In commemoration of one of music’s longest-running traditions, the iconic country club has tapped some of Music City’s elite to celebrate the momentous occasion for a two-day concert extravaganza.
The festivities will kick off on Oct.5 with performances from country superstars Steve Wariner and Rodney Atkins, with Jason Aldean, Little Jimmy Dickens and Ray Stevens are also scheduled to perform on the historic stage the evening of Oct. 6. Earlier that afternoon, Ricky Skaggs will headline the Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash concert, which is scheduled for 1 PM CT.
Country newcomer Casey James will provide entertainment on the Plaza in front of the Opry House immediately after, with games, food and several other performances scheduled for guests of the Birthday Bash.
The Grand Ole Opry debuted as the hour-long ‘WSM Barn Dance’ on Nov. 28, 1925, but was later dubbed the ‘Grand Ole Opry’ on Dec. 10, 1927 when harmonica wizard DeFord Bailey uttered the phrase “for the past hour, we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera. From now on, we will present the ‘Grand Ole Opry’,” a moment in time that would forever change the longest-running tradition in country music. After a series of venue changes in its early years, the Grand Ole Opry planted roots at the historic Ryman Auditorium in 1943.
The popular stage show later found residency at the legendary Opry House — seasonally splitting its time between the two historic auditoriums for year-round performances. The Grand Ole Opry was forced to uproot in May 2010 after horrific floods damaged the venue. The weekly stage show returned to its home in later that year after extensive remodeling.
The Grand Ole Opry has inducted country music’s elite as members of the freestanding tradition, with Keith Urban as the most recent honoree. The Australian superstar received his place in country music history in April 2012.
The 87th Birthday Bash is slated to continue well into November, with scheduled performances by an all-star line-up, including Martina McBride, Charlie Daniels, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan and Roy Clark. Fans hoping to attend the birthday celebration can click here for more details.