Ben's Country Music Show Week of the 28th July 2025 – Listen Again: Opry 100 Documentary

This week, Ben's Country Music Show presents a special centenary documentary celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry. We trace the remarkable history of this legendary institution, from its humble beginnings as the WSM Barn Dance in 1925 to its status as a global icon. The programme highlights early stars like Uncle Dave Macon and DeFord Bailey, before exploring the Opry's time at the Ryman Auditorium—the "Mother Church of Country Music"—and its iconic move to a new home in 1974. We'll also look at some of the Opry's most pivotal moments, including Elvis Presley's rejection and the defiant performances of The Byrds and Jerry Lee Lewis. The documentary follows the Opry's journey into the modern era, charting its resilience in the wake of the devastating 2010 flood and its innovation during the 2020 pandemic. As the Opry marks a century of music, we celebrate its enduring legacy and its continued role in shaping the country music world.

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