Grand Ole Opry House Celebrates 40 Years

An all-star performance at the Grand Ole Opry House’s 40th anniversary celebration. Photo: Chris Hollo

On Saturday (March 15), The Grand Ole Opry celebrated The Opry House’s 40th anniversary with performances by several artists and the induction of its newest member, Old Crow Medicine Show, which kicked things off with a rendition of Roy Acuff’s “Wabash Cannonball.” Additional performers included Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Bill Anderson, Clint Black, Connie Smith, Josh Turner and more.

Blake Shelton. Photo: Chris Hollo

“It’s good to be here tonight, y’all,” said Lambert, after performing her current single, “Automatic.” “I thought this next song would be appropriate to sing tonight to celebrate the Opry,” she said, before treating audiences to her hit “The House That Built Me.”

The Opry House’s 40th anniversary leads into The Opry’s 90th anniversary next year; the Opry was founded on Nov. 29, 1925. The Opry House opened on March 16, 1974; it is the Opry’s sixth home. In addition to its many Country performances, the Opry House boasts a performance by President Nixon, who serenaded First Lady Pat Nixon on the house’s opening night in 1974.

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Chris Hollo

“Happy 40th anniversary to the Grand Ole Opry House!” Shelton said, after performing his song “Honey Bee.” “This particular building is the one I grew up dreaming of performing in someday. … I was trying to think coming in here today: ‘what’s something I can do that’s cool?’ There’s nothing cool about me whatsoever. The only real cool thing about me that’s cool is my wife, so if it’s OK, I’ll have her come back out here.” Lambert returned to the stage and the couple performed Shelton’s hit “Home.”

Upcoming performers at the storied venue include The Band Perry, Hunter Hayes, Patty Loveless and Ronnie Milsap. For more information, visit opry.com.