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Opry 100: Country Icons Celebrate 100 Years of Music

3/20/2025

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Summary

Shelton Celebrates Opry

The Grand Ole Opry marked a century of musical magic on March 19 with "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" in Nashville. Hosted by Blake Shelton, the star-studded event brought together country icons like Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire, celebrating the Opry's profound legacy and its lasting impact on the heart of country music.

Summary

Underwood Honors Travis

Carrie Underwood delivered a heartfelt tribute to Randy Travis at the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary in Nashville. As she sang “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” the atmosphere swelled with emotion, culminating in a poignant moment when Travis joined her for the final “Amen.” The audience was left in tears, celebrating their enduring bond and Travis's inspiring strength.

History

Historical Context

The Grand Ole Opry, established in 1925, has shaped country music's identity for nearly a century. Its origins as the WSM Barn Dance reflect a broader cultural shift in America, where radio became a vital platform for music. The Opry's evolution mirrors the rise of Nashville as a music capital, highlighting its role in promoting diverse artists, including pioneers like DeFord Bailey and Linda Martell, who broke racial barriers in the genre.

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Shelton Celebrates Opry

The Grand Ole Opry marked a century of musical magic on March 19 with "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" in Nashville. Hosted by Blake Shelton, the star-studded event brought together country icons like Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire, celebrating the Opry's profound legacy and its lasting impact on the heart of country music.

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