Grand Ole Opry ephemera subject files, 1945-ca. 2009.
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: A variety of items promoting and documenting the Grand Ole Opry. Includes histories, programs, promotional fliers, personal reminiscences, essays, and special commemorative issues of newspapers and booklets. Some items are heavily illustrated, most in color. Quantity of materials ranges from a single item to several folders. Most folders contain less than five items, and often only a single item. Contains some photocopies.

Cite as: [item title or description], Grand Ole Opry ephemera subject files, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library

Some items may be restricted by copyright law or donor restriction.

Intentionally assembled by staff of the Special Collections Division, beginning at an unknown date, probably in the late 1960s, and collected on an ongoing basis.

The Grand Ole Opry began as a musical variety radio show on Nashville, Tenn. radio station WSM, owned by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company, with its call letters standing for the company motto, "We Shield Millions." Originally called the WSM Barn Dance, the program began broadcasting on Nov. 28, 1925 from Studio A. It later moved to Studio B, where it had a studio audience, and the name changed to Grand Ole Opry, coined by radio host, George D. Hay. The program broadcast in the evenings before the Barn Dance featured the NBC Symphony Orchestra from New York City. In Dec. 1927 Hay spontaneously announced to his listeners after a performance by harmonica wizard DeFord Bailey: "For the past hour we have been listening to music taken largely from grand opera, but from now on, we will present the Grand Ole Opry!" In 1932, WSM increased its power to 50,000 watts, giving the program enormous reach throughout much of North America. The popularity of the show quickly increased demand for more space to accomodate the studio audience, and the broadcast moved in Feb. 1934 to Studio C, located in the auditorium at the National Life and Accident's headquarters. Not long thereafter, in Oct., the show moved to the Hillsboro Theater. In 1943 the Opry moved to the iconic Ryman Auditorium, then moved in 1974 to the Opryland complex in the suburbs. Gaylord Broadcasting purchased the Grand Ole Opry, WSM, the Ryman Auditorium, Opryland Hotel, Opryland Theme Park, and the TNN television network in 1983. The Grand Ole Opry began regular television broadcasts in 1985, and continues to be the heart of country music today.

In English

Process;,2008;,Linda Barnickel.

Catalog;,2012;,Linda Barnickel.

Additional accruals are expected.