Grand Ole Opry marks 100 years with iconic microphone stand unveiling
The Grand Ole Opry marked its centennial milestone with a special celebration last Saturday (March 1) which featured the debut of a new three-sided microphone. The year-long festivities commemorating this iconic venue’s 100th birthday will take place worldwide until 2026.
Country music luminary Vince Gill was joined by The Oak Ridge Boys and Charles Wesley Godwin in unveiling the unique microphone. Members of the Country Music Hall of Fame such as Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, and Bill Anderson also graced the stage to celebrate this historic occasion.
Enhancements to the Grand Ole Opry stage at 2804 Opryland Drive now include new video displays and updated lighting systems. These improvements promise to elevate the quality of sound for live performances and broadcasts, ensuring an unforgettable experience for both in-person and remote audiences.
According to show director Dan Rogers, the microphone stand has become just as integral to the venue’s identity as its iconic Circle and barn backdrop. The revamped screens and lighting are not only designed to enhance the live experience but also serve to engage fans worldwide by sharing the best of country music culture with a global audience.
In the spirit of celebration, the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th birthday festivities will reach a grand finale at the prestigious London’s Royal Albert Hall in the ‘Opry 100 Honors’ series, where country music legends, both past and present, will be honored.
For fans eager to relive the magic of this legendary venue, the ‘100 Years of Grand Ole Opry’ book will be available in stores starting April 15, offering readers access to never-before-seen photos and stories from country music’s brightest stars. Additionally, music enthusiasts can get their hands on exclusive merchandise, including vinyl records and apparel inspired by the rich history of the Grand Ole Opry.
The Grand Ole Opry’s roots trace back to its humble beginnings on WSM radio before moving to the historic Ryman Auditorium in 1943 and eventually settling at its current location in 1974. The symbolic Circle, famously cut from Ryman’s stage floor, has remained a steadfast emblem of the Grand Ole Opry through its relocations.
To be part of this historic celebration and witness the unveiling of the new microphone, tickets to upcoming Opry events are available for purchase.