The Grand Ole Opry, a cornerstone of country music, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. While the historic theater that houses it has undergone changes, the real essence of the Opry lies in the generations of performers who have graced its stage. Over the past century, they have shaped the country music genre we know today. Jewly Hight of Nashville Public Radio takes us behind the scenes at the Opry to offer a glimpse of the ongoing year-long celebration.
A Tradition of Welcoming New Talent
The debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry is filled with excitement and tradition. For Danae Hays, a country music comic, this night marks a dream come true. Hays, known for her playful and sometimes edgy songs, is warmly greeted by veteran staffer Jim Schermerhorn at the security desk.
“I’m very excited about this. This is a dream come true,” Hays says.
Schermerhorn, welcoming her, guides Hays to her dressing room, which follows a long-standing tradition: all first-time performers get Dressing Room No. 4. It’s one of many rituals that have been passed down over the years.
Though this is Hays’ Opry debut, it’s not her first time at the venue. Before stepping onto the stage, she meets with Dan Rogers, the senior vice president and executive producer of the Grand Ole Opry, to discuss her performance.
“We invite artists to perform for us, not as auditions but as a way to get to know new talent,” Rogers explains.
Hays, known for her viral success on TikTok, has a bold approach to country music comedy, often pushing the boundaries. She ensured her set would be well-received by testing it on her father, who was in the front row of her debut performance.
Hays’ performance includes a humorous bit about her family history, followed by a song that closes her set on a lighthearted note.
A Year of Celebrations and New Beginnings
Hays is one of 100 new artists making their debut at the Opry this year, a key part of the centennial celebrations. Rogers highlights two main objectives behind this year’s events: celebrating the legacy of past country legends and welcoming a new generation of artists who will carry the Opry’s legacy forward.
The Grand Ole Opry began in 1925, originally as a local radio show to promote an insurance company. It grew rapidly, becoming a Saturday night favorite that brought the biggest country stars into the spotlight. However, times have changed. Today, the Opry’s performances are a blend of guest artists, like Hays, and its 76 current members, who include country stars, bluegrass favorites, and classic hitmakers.
One of those long-time members is John Conlee, who opened the centennial celebration. Conlee’s hit “Rose-Colored Glasses” helped launch his career and bring him to the Opry in the early 1980s.
Conlee reflects on the Opry’s influence on his career and the thrill of performing with country legends like Minnie Pearl and Hank Snow. Now, as a veteran member, he carries on the tradition of welcoming new artists to the stage.
“When I joined the Opry, I got to rub elbows with legends,” Conlee recalls. “Now, I’m part of the older generation.”
Conlee echoes advice he received from Porter Wagoner, a fellow Opry member, who once said, “If you take care of the Opry, it will take care of you later in your career.”
Though Conlee’s chart-topping hits are behind him, he continues to perform regularly at the Opry, preserving its traditions while helping the show evolve for future generations.
As the Grand Ole Opry moves into its second century, it remains a vibrant platform for both veteran artists and newcomers, ensuring that country music’s legacy will continue to thrive.
Related Topics
