What Is The Grand Ole Opry, Why Did The Invite Make Jelly Roll Cry? Has Been Around For 100 Years

The Grand Ole Opry has been making headlines for hours now. It all began with an invitation to Jelly Roll that left him in tears. However, soon, fans were wondering how a simple radio broadcast had become the only thing the internet could talk about.

Well, the Grand Ole Opry is not an ordinary radio show. It's an international symbol of American music, tradition, and community. And while most country fans must be aware of what the Grand Ole Opry is, for those who don't know, here is everything you need to know about it and why it left Jelly Roll in tears. 

Jelly Roll left in tears after an invite to the Grand Ole Opry

The invite to one of the oldest radio shows in history, the Grand Ole Opry, arrived in the most modern way possible for Jelly Roll. The well-known singer received the invite during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, where Morgan surprised him from inside the Opry pews. In the clip, Morgan honours Jelly's impact before delivering news that completely floors him. He stated:

"And who would have ever dreamed back then that I’d be back at the Opry House today, to say, Jelly Roll, you're officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s an honor to say welcome to the family, brother."

The news left Jelly Roll in tears. He immediately hugged Joe Rogan and said, "It doesn't get bigger in country music, bubba. It’s as big as it gets." The singer recalled how he used to buy tickets to the show, watching Craig Morgan perform, and Luke Combs' Opry induction, and stated:

"I Googled Craig Morgan … I heard 'Almost Home' in jail … I cried. I cried. I cried like I’m crying here now … I can’t believe they made me a member of the Opry. I want to make people feel the way he makes me feel. I'll never forget watching Luke Combs when they asked him to be a member…"

What is the Grand Ole Opry?

Now that we know it's a dream come true for Jelly Roll, let's also take a look at what the Grand Ole Opry is and why it holds such significance in the music world. For the unversed, the Grand Ole Opry is a live radio show and a legendary venue located in Nashville. It was initially named the WSM Barn Dance in 1925 and soon became a platform for country music artists, helping popularise the genre worldwide.

Over time, as the world progressed, it became a live performance venue and a broadcast institution, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and offering a stage not just to the best country singers but also to newcomers. Often regarded as the "Mother Church of Country Music" due to its significant role in the genre's development. The venue has hosted performances by artists like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and many others who have become country music legends.

How did the Grand Ole Opry endure a century of change?

Another question often associated with the massive institution is how it endured a century of change without becoming a lost chapter in history. The Grand Ole Opry has undergone countless changes in both the musical realm and the world at large. Over the years, it has adapted to changes, from its beginnings as a radio show to its expansion to TV in the 1950s, bringing performances to a new audience through modern media.

What kept it from being forgotten was that the institution never allowed itself to become history, incorporating modern technology to remain relevant to younger generations. Another factor that has significantly contributed to the Grand Ole Opry's relevance is its venue. Over the years, The Opry has moved to several locations, including the Ryman Auditorium (its iconic home for over 30 years) and the Grand Ole Opry House, which opened in 1974, allowing it to keep up with the increasing audience demand and modern standards while ensuring it remains a state-of-the-art venue.

In addition to its location, The Opry has evolved to embrace several subgenres of country, including bluegrass, gospel, and contemporary styles, while remaining open to musical experimentation. The Opry has maintained its reputation as fresh and dynamic while preserving its roots. Despite the changes, it remains deeply committed to honouring the tradition of live, in-the-moment performances, maintaining the authenticity that sets The Opry apart. 

The Grand Ole Opry has become a community rather than a business

The Opry's sense of community has also helped it stay relevant through the decades. Artists are considered part of a family, and there's a mutual respect for the genre's rich history. Over the years, the Opry has fostered strong loyalty and connection between its artists and fans. Additionally, it has maintained its relevance to the modern audience by featuring artists from multiple genres and fostering collaborations with country music's younger stars.

Why the Grand Ole Opry could last another 100 years?

The Grand Ole Opry has been around for 100 years and could withstand another 100, and the biggest reason for this is its cultural roots in the American South and its significance in identifying country music. The legacy The Opry has built will be the core of its appeal for generations to come, as country music is woven into the fabric of American culture, while blending innovation with nostalgia. The Opry has positioned itself as the global ambassador for country music as the genre has become a worldwide phenomenon, continuing to grow its fan base. 

What's even more important for an institution to survive is that it never becomes stagnant, and The Opry has dedicated itself to discovering and promoting new talents, with many of today's top country artists starting their journey on their stage. The new talent keeps the situation fresh and relevant to the younger audiences who are the future of the genre. It has also utilised its live performance gigs to create a unique and authentic experience, making it even more personal and unreplicable online.

However, that doesn't mean that the Opry is not adapting to change in technology; the institution has adopted the new world and used to ensure its reachability across borders, cultivating a passionate and loyal fan base, while sharing a strong online presence, including live-streamed performances and behind-the-scenes content, which helps attract a global, tech-savvy audience.

What are your thoughts on the Grand Ole Opry? Let us know.

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