An entity unto itself. A phenomenon that has lasted through generations. And one that continues today. With almost 80 years under its belt, the Grand Ole Opry, the world's longest running live radio program, shows no signs of slowing. Millions of Americans have been entertained through live radio and television with the best country music has to offer.
On November 2, 1920 KDKA in East Pittsburgh became the first radio station with a regular broadcasting service. By 1924, more than 2,500,000 radios were in American homes. And by October of 1925, Nashville, Tennessee was making radio history of its own. That's when the first program to be broadcast over National Life & Accident Insurance Company's new radio station was aired. The station's call letters were WSM, and abbreviation for the insurance company's motto, "We Shield Millions."

The Opry was born on the fifth floor of the National Life & Accident Insurance Company building. The date was November 28, 1925 and legend has it that the featured performer for that show was Uncle Jimmy Thompson, an 80-year-old fiddler who had the reputation of knowing a thousand fiddle rounds. George D. Hay, one of America's pioneer radio showmen, was the announcer. He proclaimed himself "The Solemn Old Judge" (even though he was merely 30 years old) and launched the WSM Barn Dance, a spin-off of his National Barn Dance program from a previous Chicago radio station. Three years later, he gave it the new name - one that would stick - "the Grand Ole Opry." The show became very popular and soon even the studio couldn't accommodate the hordes of fans flocking to see the show performed live. The Opry was moved into a succession of three venues, each larger than the next. The Hillsboro Theatre, the Dixie Tabernacle and then the War Memorial Auditorium were all home to the Opry. A 25-cent admission fee was even charge in hopes of curbing the large crowds, but it was to no avail. The numbers continued to average 3,000 or more and the move to the Ryman Auditorium in 1943 was a welcomed necessity. The Ryman, built in 1892, had perfect acoustics and would become the Opry's most famous home. In 1974, the Opry relocated to the 4,400 seat Grand Ole Opry House where it now remains.NBC Radio carried the Opry for the first time in 1939. Its sponsor was Prince Albert cigars and the featured artists were Uncle Dave Macon, Roy Acuff, Little Rachel, the Weaver Brothers and Elviry, and the Solemn Old Judge. Through the years, hundreds of artists have entertained as Opry cast members. With cast members that include new stars, superstars and legends, the Opry is poised to take country music into the new millenium.
Anually, hundreds of thousands of Opry fans travel over oceans and from all 50 states to Nashville to see the performances in person. Through the Opry, WSM created the musical family that inspired former WSM personality, David Cobb, to dub Nashville "Music City, USA."

The Grand Ole Opry is an omnipresence in the world of country music. It is entertainment, pageantry, comedy and America's music, bundled into one package. The connection between the Opry artists and the audience is unlike anything in the world. Whether part of a live performance at the Opry House, tuning into WSM's cross-country Clear Channel Frequency (650 AM), listening on Sirius Satellite Radio, listening via opry.com, or watching "Grand Ole Opry Live" on GAC andCMT Canada, fans are entertained by this show called the Opry...a phenomenon that will continue as long as the world lends an ear.