Grand Ole Opry Kicks Off ‘Opry 100’ At Ryman Auditorium

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Bill Anderson performs newly-written lyrics to “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” with all Opry performers. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry kicked off its 100th year with two sold-out shows at the Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 3–4.

On Friday night (Jan. 3), Bill Anderson, the Opry’s longest-tenured member, started off the “Opry 100” celebrations by singing “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” featuring newly-written lyrics. Anderson was joined by the evening’s other performers for the new tune.

Saturday (Jan. 4)’s show was dedicated to the late President Jimmy Carter, who had visited the Opry before, during and after his presidency. Charlie McCoy performed “Georgia On My Mind”, the official song of Carter’s home state in his honor.

Throughout the year, the Opry will honor the artists, fans and songs that have established the Opry as a historical home of country music since its debut on WSM Radio in 1925. In celebration of the milestone anniversary, the Ryman has unveiled a new “Opry 100” exhibition that traces the Opry’s journey over the past century.

Additional “Opry at the Ryman” shows are scheduled for Jan. 10, 11 and 17, and will feature performances from Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Wariner, Lainey Wilson and more. The Opry will return to the Grand Ole Opry House on Jan. 18 for “Opry Goes Dolly” with performances from Ashley Cooke, Chapel Hart, Don Schlitz, Shaboozey, Rhonda Vincent and more. Tickets to all shows can be purchased here.

Madison Hahnen
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