The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Over the course of a century of performances, the Opry has inducted many members into its showcase. As the years pass, new records continue to be set by its longtime members. This year, as the Opry marks its 100th anniversary, dozens of members will join in the celebration.
“The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating our 100th Birthday in 2025,” the Opry’s website states. “All year long, we’re featuring bigger shows, bolder moments, huge stars, and surprise guests as we kick off in the next era of country music.”
Here are some of the Grand Ole Opry’s longest-serving members.
Who is the longest living Grand Ole Opry member?
While the oldest member of the Opry has changed in the past few years, the official most senior member of the Grand Ole Opry is Stu Phillips. Though Phillips was not the first member inducted into the Opry by any means, he was born on Jan. 19, 1933, making him the eldest member of the show. Phillips joined the Opry on June 1, 1967, 58 years ago.
A century of Opry memories: Revisit the Grand Ole Opry’s top moments with our hardcover book
Who was the first member initiated into the Grand Ole Opry?
Since the Opry first began, numerous names in country music have joined its ranks to showcase their love for the genre. However, the first person to be inducted into the show happened on opening night.
Uncle Jimmy Thompson became the first member after first playing the fiddle on the WSM Barn Dance on November 28, 1925, when the show that would become the Grand Ole Opry began — nearly 100 years ago. The second person inducted was Humphrey Bate, who joined about a month later, on Jan. 2, 1926.
Who has served the longest time in the Grand Ole Opry?
In July, Bill Anderson was honored for his tenure with the Grand Ole Opry. Anderson, who joined the Opry on July 15, 1951, has been a member for 73 years — the longest tenure of any current member.
The next closest in membership length is Connie Smith, who joined the Opry several years later on Aug. 21, 1965.
Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who is the longest living Grand Ole Opry member?
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