13th May - Grand Ole Opry

 Slept pretty well, had breakfast in Starbucks and headed over to the Grand Ole Opry and took a tour round the theatre with Bob.

The Grand Ole Opry was founded on 28th November 1925 by George D. Hay as the WSM Barn Dance.  It became GOO in 1927.  WSM (We Shield Millions) Insurance Company went live on 5th October 1925.  The GOO was originally in the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville.  On 15th March 1974 it moved to its current location.  Country music continues to be broadcast live from the GOO 2-5 nights a week.

                                                                   

                                                             A dress worn by Loretta Lynn

Membership of the Opry is one of country music's crowning achievements.  About 75 acts are currently members.  On 2nd October 1954 a teenage Elvis played there but he was politely informed his style did not suit!

When GOO moved to its current location, a 6ft circle of oak was cut from the corner of Ryman's stage and inlaid into the centre of the stage of the new building.

The tour was really good, although we did feel a bit rushed as there was so much to see.

We attended a Loretta Lynn tribute night that evening and saw:

Crystal Gale (who is LL's younger sister, famous for 'Don't it Make by Brown Eyes Blue) - GOO member

Martina McBride - GOO member

Ashley McBride - GOO member

Carly Pearce - GOO member

Emmy Russell - Patsy Lynn's daughter, LL granddaughter

Tre Twitty, Conway Twitty's grandson,  and Taylor Lynn, LL granddaughter

Rhonda Vincent - GOO member

                                                                        Crystal Gale