Famous (and Infamous) Opry at the Ryman Moments to Discover on Your Next Tour

By Lane Vaughn

Ryman Auditorium was home to the Grand Ole Opry for 31 formative years, helping shape and evolve the sound of country music. As the Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary, we’re looking back at some of the most memorable (and sometimes controversial) moments that took place on our iconic stage during its time here. 

You can explore the Opry’s legendary Ryman roots with our daytime tour, which now includes a new Opry 100 exhibit showcasing artifacts and memorabilia from country music’s biggest icons. 

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THE BIRTH OF BLUEGRASS  

On December 8, 1945, Earl Scruggs made his Opry debut as part of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, introducing the audience to a sound that would later become a new genre of music. It was the combination of the five top-notch musicians, Scruggs’ three-fingered picking style, and WSM’s 50,000-watt reach, that brought Bluegrass music screaming into the world.   

1961, a 7-year-old Ricky Skaggs played his mandolin on Flatt and Scruggs Grand Ole Opry TV Show, a celebration of the bluegrass genre.  

Opry 100 Exhibit: See Ricky Skaggs’ Gibson A-style mandolin he played in the wings of the Ryman and on the Flatt and Scruggs TV show.  

HANK WILLIAMS’ SIX ENCORES 

Hank Williams’ 1949 Opry debut is one of country music lore. Williams had a rapturous following, and when he performed “Lovesick Blues” during his first appearance on the Prince Albert Tobacco-sponsored portion of the show, a legend was born. Despite having made a name for himself on the Louisiana Hayride and having two hits under his belt (“Honky Tonkin’” and “Move it on Over”), the Opry audience didn’t recognize Williams’ name when introduced. However, when the band kicked into his most recent hit song (“Lovesick Blues”) the crowd erupted in applause. Before making his Opry debut, Williams knew he had a hit in “Lovesick Blues”—even though songwriter Fred Rose hated it. “You might not like the song, but when it gets so hot that I walk off the stage and throw my hat back on the stage and the hat encores, that’s pretty hot,” Williams said to Rose. 

Opry 100 Exhibit: See Hank Williams’ 1950s wool suit and hat. 

JOHNNY CASH’S KNOCKOUT PERFORMANCE 

Johnny Cash made his Opry debut in 1956, met with thunderous applause as he performed “I Walk the Line.” Cash was a regular on the Opry until a now-infamous incident in 1965, when he broke all the Ryman’s stage footlights with a microphone stand. Cash’s bass player, Marshall Grant, was told to “get him out of here, and don’t bring him back.” However, Cash returned three years later to perform as a guest on the radio show.  

Opry 100 Exhibit: See Johnny Cash’s 1956 Martin D-28 Guitar that he played during his debut performance.   

THE WORLD MEETS DOLLY PARTON

In 1959, Johnny Cash introduced a young girl from East Tennessee to the Grand Ole Opry, where 13-year-old Dolly Parton took the stage and performed George Jones' "You Gotta Be My Baby." She earned three encores that night, marking the beginning of her long and illustrious Opry career. Dolly returned in 1967, this time alongside Porter Wagoner, and officially became an Opry member on January 4th, 1969. 

Opry 100 Exhibit: See Dolly Parton’s dress worn on the Opry in 1970.  

LORETTA LYNN DEBUTS IN A DAZE 

Arriving in Nashville for her September 17, 1960, Opry debut, Oliver and Loretta Lynn slept in their car across the street from the Ryman. Loretta did not know they had arrived and woke up to the sight of the old tabernacle.  

During her performance, Lynn was very nervous and, in her own words, “…I remember (tapping) my foot. Isn't that weird? I went off stage and thought, 'I forgot to listen to myself sing!’”  While Loretta was performing, her husband was in the car, parked behind the Ryman, attempting to dial the signal in on the radio. Not having any luck, Oliver ended up missing Loretta’s performance but was embraced by the young singer as she exclaimed: “Honey, I’ve just sung on the Grand Ole Opry!” 

Opry 100 Exhibit: See Loretta Lynn’s custom-made Judy of Nashville dress.  

Although the Opry moved to a new venue in 1974, its connection to the Ryman remains strong. Every January, the show returns for Opry at the Ryman, and this year, it kicked off its thrilling 100th year on the Ryman’s iconic stage. 

The Opry is still making history—you never know what might happen next. Explore these stories and more when you tour the Ryman. Step into the Opry’s legendary past; be a part of its exciting future. Book a tour today! 

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