The Grand Ole Opry
One of the most important aspects of Nashville's history is the Grand Ole Opry. The Grand Ole Opry, which originated as a radio show, first aired on November 28, 1925. Radio stations wanted to showcase this "hillbilly" music that was gaining popularity in rural areas of the country [1]. But, it wasn't just a radio show. Musicians would dress up in costumes, and there was visual humor for crowds watching the show [2].
The show attracted national attention, and it turned Nashville into a place where musicians went to tour and record [3].
Rymann Auditorium Today [4]
November 1943
Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys performing at the Grand Ole Opry [11]
Video of Roy Acuff singing at the Grand Ole Opry [8]
Roy Acuff's yo-yo routine at the Grand Ole Opry [9]
Roy Acuff at the Country Festival in the Netherlands in April 1980 balancing his fiddle on his chin [10]
Country groups had primarily been string bands before Roy Acuff brought singing into the picture. This "hillbilly" singing style changed country music forever [5].
Roy Acuff revolutionized the Opry when he became a regular performer in 1938. His distinctive East Tennessee mountain voice allowed for him to quickly become a favorite. He had a vast collection of hymns, love songs and ballads filled with emotion that he sung [6].
However, Roy Acuff's music wasn't his only claim to fame; he was known just as well for his yo-yo routine and his ability to balance his fiddle bow on his chin [7].
1. "WSM Launches the Grand Ole Opry, November 28, 1925." (Historic U.S. Events. 2012. Accessed January 12, 2016.)
2. Ibid.
3. "The Story of Music City." (Nashville Music City. Accessed January 31, 2016.)
4. (Digital Image. Accessed May 15, 2016.)
5. "Roy Acuff." (Biography in Context. 1993. Accessed February 3, 2016.)
6. "WSM Launches"
7. "Roy Acuff." (Biography in Context.)
8. "Roy Acuff - "Wabash Cannonball" | Grand Ole Opry Classics | Opry." (YouTube. October 11, 2011. Accessed May 15, 2016.)
9. "Roy Acuff - "Sunshine Special"" (YouTube. August 14, 2013. Accessed May 15, 2016.)
10. Roy Acuff balancing fiddle. (Digital image. Gettyimages. Accessed May 15, 2016.)
11. Acuffs Fiddle. (November 24, 1943. Associated Press. January 31, 2016.)