On November 28, 1925, a one hour “barn dance” radio show began in Nashville, Tennessee broadcast on WSM that became known as The Grand Ole Opry. The show is the longest running radio show in history, although it has changed networks over the years. A most American of radio shows, the Opry features country, western, folk, bluegrass, Gospel and Americana music forms, as well as comedy skits and other entertainment.
Digging Deeper
Created by George D. Hay, known as “Judge” Hay, a Chicago radio personality that had been hosting his own National Barn Dance on radio station WLS, perhaps the most popular radio host in the United States at the time. The show was originally called The WSM Barn Dance, and the moniker Grand Ole Opry came about in 1927 as a countrified version of “Grand Opera.”
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