Which was called for its tagline, “We Shield Millions.” Constructing a modest studio in the heart of Nashville, WSM made its debut on October 5, 1925.
Prominent announcer George D. Hay, who was well-known for his National Barn Dance program at WLS in Chicago, was recruited by National Life a month after WSM’s debut.
On November 28, 1925, Hay and Uncle Jimmy Thompson, a 77-year-old fiddler, started the WSM Barn Dance. So began the Grand Ole Opry.
Carrie Underwood joined Reba McEntire and Brad Paisley, among other country music A-listers, on Wednesday, March 19, for NBC’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration.
The Idol winner sang two Randy Travis compositions, “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” as a nod to her own 2008 induction.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the evening occurred when Underwood approached Travis in the crowd and gave him the microphone for the last “Amen.”
