The Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 100 Years
The biggest names in country music came together on March 19th to celebrate the milestone 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. What began as a small radio broadcast in 1925 became one of the most iconic programs in the genre’s history.
As the Opry grew in popularity, it consequently outgrew venues one after another. In 1974, the Grand Ole Opry moved to its current home, a 4,400-seat concert house that allowed the show the space to grow and evolve.
Opry 100 was broadcast live from the famed Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Blake Shelton hosted the evening, and the star-studded lineup included more than two dozen beloved artists. Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, and Vince Gill were among the many celebrated Opry members who took the stage for the momentous evening.
Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban also delivered special performances from the Opry’s former home, the Ryman Auditorium.
Vince Gill’s Opry History
Multitalented artist Vince Gill has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years. He made his debut on June 29th, 1989, and was inducted two years later on August 10, 1991.
Though he had pursued music as a bluegrass artist for over a decade, Gill’s breakthrough came with his 1898 solo album When I Call Your Name. The title track reached the #2 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart the following year and featured backing vocals by Patty Loveless.
Then-34-year-old Vince Gill tearfully performed “When I Call Your Name” during his Opry induction, and it became one of his most requested songs for live performances.