The Grand Ole Opry, one of the most storied institutions in the U.S., marks its 100th anniversary this year. From its start as an insurance company’s radio program in 1925, it grew into a country music behemoth that drove the success of the industry and the city of Nashville.
A new collector’s book by The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network and the rare Nashville institution that actually predates the Opry since it started up in 1907, celebrates the history and significance of the show that made country music famous.
“Full Circle: 100 Years of the Grand Ole Opry” is a 160-page hardcover book featuring a foreword by singer-songwriter and Opry member Kelsea Ballerini.
Throughout, a trove of archival photos show the most famous country music stars — think Dolly, Charley, Loretta, Johnny, Reba and more — on the genre’s most legendary stage.
Journalists examine key moments in Opry history, starting with how the broadcast immediately charmed its listeners and began hosting live audiences at bigger and bigger venues around Nashville. Year after year, the Opry drew fans and anointed country music royalty. But it faced its share of tests, as well.
The book “Full Circle: 100 Years of the Grand Ole Opry” by The Tennessean is available for purchase.
“May the circle be unbroken” is the Opry’s motto, and the phrase served as a ballast during turbulent times from the Great Depression to the COVID-19 pandemic — not to mention the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll and miniskirts. Time and time again, members of the country music family leaned on each other to ensure the Saturday night broadcast made it to air each week.
It’s those members who have built the Opry’s unmatched legacy. “Full Circle: 100 Years of the Grand Ole Opry” pays tribute to the Opry’s brightest stars, alongside the behind the scenes folks who make the show happen.
The book is a must-have for fans of American music history and the magic of the Opry. To order your copy, packed with rare photographs, compelling stories and exclusive insights, click here.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Grand Ole Opry history in new collector’s book
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